There was always a draw for me there. No matter how far away I would be I could envision the lovely waves and calming breezes of the ocean calling to me. The sun and sand begging me to return to them and let them embrace me. So it was no surprise to find myself picking up and moving as close as I could get to it the first chance I got.

I chose to move to the sunny beaches of Florida where that blasted white stuff does not fall, ever! I moved to the small quaint town of Canaveral Groves. The people here are friendly and polite. The atmosphere is laid back and unhurried with a certain air of laze fairer. I found an old farm house set back in the fragrant orange groves away from the traffic noise and lights shining and muddying up the view all night long.

The sky is so clearly beautifully visible above me each night as I wander through the surrounding foliage on my five acre property. I suppose if I am so inclined I can set up a little barn on the back fourty and keep some live stock there . But all I ever really wanted to have was a couple of beautiful horses. So maybe once I get settled in I will do just that.

My property is adjacent to the ocean on the eastern border and my home sits close to the north eastern corner of my land. So it's a short walk to the lull of the wind, waves and water that are always calling me. It is almost like a romance I have with that great blue ocean. I cannot seem to ever get it out if my mind. This is why have returned to stay for the reminder of my life into it's arms.

2: Night Swim

Night swim

I have been here now for the better part of a month but have yet to enter the water completely . What with time and weather constraints, I mean it is still February . But today was such a long and grueling day of laborious work, cleaning all of the overgrown vines from the south side of the property. The temperature actually climbed into the eighties and the sun was scorching all day long .

So I decided to take an evening stroll down to the lovely ocean. My first intention was just to wade ankle deep in the water as I walked along listening to the soothing voice of her. As I strolled along I found my self so lost in the seduction of the oceans voice I soon found myself knee deep, and waves washing as high as my waist and chest at times. The water felt so very good as it washed away the dirt and grime from my body and soul and lulled my senses by it's gentle seduction.

Before I realized , I was a mile away from home and soaking wet from head to toe. The sun had set and the chill night air was beginning to take its possession of me. The water was warmer and so enticing, so I plunged in and began to swim away from the shore. I did not wish to go out too far as it was dark and late, close to feeding time for certain sea creatures.

So after swimming out about ten yards I turned back in the direction from which I had walked and began swimming parallel to the shore in a nice easy crawl. After about fifty yards I flipped over on my back and just floated on the water as the waves rocked me gently like a mother does her new born babe.

It was such a peaceful clear night I found myself looking for the constellations I knew . Now granted I don't know many but I do know the main ones. Another reason I wanted to move away from city lights. It was so peaceful floating there. If I wasn't in the water I probably could have fallen asleep.

3: What The?

What The?...

As I lay there floating peacefully I was totally unaware that I was being watched. You know how sometimes you suddenly get that little tingle in the nape of your neck ? Well that was about all the warning I got before I was suddenly, and firmly, gripped by a very strong arm and pulled quickly to the shore . I had no chance to protest that I was not drowning or a dead body floating in the ocean .

My mouth and nose were instantly filled with salty sea water when I was so suddenly and violently grabbed. As I was drug closer to shore I finally found some solid footing and attempted to gain my own ground. As I finally was able to try to pull from the grip of this monster I looked up through my bedraggled mop of hair into the most magnificent brown eyes I had ever seen.

My eyes flew wide with shock and horror; I was ,as they say, fighting mad. For some reason though the sight of those eyes melted all my anger. As we stood in stunned silence staring into each other's eyes I was totally unaware of how awful I must look all soaked in my shorts and tank with my wet shaggy hair hanging in my face and sand on my face and body.

Suddenly those eyes blinked and the trance was broken and I scampered to fix my self to a more presentable picture. Now mind you I am not a vain person and I love the simple things if life. I don't buy expensive clothes even, though I could, and I wear very little cosmetics, and then usually only when I'm going to a special occasion like a Wedding. But for some reason I felt like I was under inspection here.

Those liquid brown eyes were looking into my very soul. They were framed by long beautiful lashes and as I looked beyond them I saw a beautiful smile. I could not believe the beauty if his face looking at me. His dark skin glowed like ebony in the moon light as if he had some holy light coming from within. As we stood there on the sand looking at each other it seemed neither of us could speak. We both were dumbfounded .

Finally I stopped patting my hair and brushing sand off of myself and looked down in shy embarrassment. Now you should know I really am not a forward person and somewhat shy and reclusive. So his blatant stare and perusal of my disheveled state was unnerving. I wanted to run as fast as I could but my feet seemed rooted and burried there in the sand .

4: Introducing

 

Introducing...

As I stood there, rooted in place , looking down, not knowing what to do with myself, and wishing I could bring myself to look upon that beautiful face again, suddenly I felt a hand touch my chin. My first instinct was to pull away, as I don't really care to have my face touched. Instead I found myself raising my eyes and taking in the rest of my pseudo rescuer.

His feet were bare and his legs were strong and muscled without being bulky. He had a lean strength to his body that screamed martial artist. His skin was smooth and shining like freshly polished Ebony. As my eyes reached his face he smiled again and right there put me under his spell.

He spoke then. "What exactly were you doing floating around out there looking like you were dead?" His voice although annoyed was like the fine hum of the Deep South but not twangy . He did not raise his voice at all but to my ears it felt as if he had shouted his question. Like a song being sung in my head.

I stood there gaping at him as words would not come out of my mouth. I must have looked like a fish out of water. Then he smiled, again! If he kept doing that I would never speak again. I took a step backwards to try to put some distance between us, as his strong animal magnetism was too powerful that close.

"I was floating on the water and looking at the stars!" I finally retorted, rather angrily , because I was getting a little uncomfortable with the effects he was having on me.

"Well from my vantage point there on the dunes it looked like you suddenly just passed out or something. After you had swum so nicely out there ,then you don't move for almost ten minutes, I got a little worried ! So I had to help you."

"Well thanks, but no thanks!I don't need help from anyone!" I stormed. I was beginning to warm up to my anger at this point and his eyes widened slightly in shock at my reaction. I am not sure why I was angry at him because he really was just doing a good deed.

Suddenly I felt cold and began to shiver. He looked at me with concern and gently asked ," Are you ok? Do you have a towel somewhere up on the dunes? " I shook my head no as my teeth began to chatter and speech became non existent.

5: Carried Away

Carried Away

As I stood there, teeth chattering , my feet finally decided to move and I began to stumble the rest of the way out of the water and toward my property line. Somehow I managed to get my feet tangled into some seaweed and proceeded to fall flat on my face. Well I would have but his strong arms reached out and caught me before I could fall.

His grasp was firm yet gentle and his skin was so soft yet manly and he smelled so wonderful. As he held me, he drew me into him and his embrace was warm and comforting.

The thought went through my mind, "How can he be warm when he's as wet or wetter than I am? "

I was shivering so badly by this time I just let myself sink into his warmth. His honey voice gently whispered in my ear,

"We need to get you into dry stuff where is your car?" Through chattering teeth I mumbled, "I walked down from my house up there " and I pointed up the beach. Suddenly he swept me up into his arms and began to carry me across the beach toward my property. I was so cold I could not even fight him so I just let him carry me. Although I felt very undignified at the thought of having to be carried.

As he strode quickly across the sand I just burrowed my head in his strong shoulder and thought to myself, " How Am I going to ever live this down if any one sees me? " As we neared the boundary between the sand and the groves I pointed to the hidden gate in the bushes. He carried me through the gate and proceeded into the groves. I lifted my head and smiled in gratitude and those eyes, oh my , those eyes were boring into my soul again. I pointed to the north east and said, "House. "

He turned and walked a quarter mile more along the path carrying me with such gentle strength like I was a treasure he found. He didn't even seem to be exerting any energy like it was easy to carry someone over a quarter mile soaking wet . As we approached the house his footsteps slowed and he said,

"This is where you live? " I nodded my head and turned a little so he would know I wanted to be put down. Reluctantly he let me stand on my feet. Gently with his arms supporting me I began to walk up the path to my door . I am ashamed to say I kind of liked his touch and when he had put me down I felt an emptiness when we no longer were touching .

Why was I feeling this way? I am not looking for mushy romance I have no desire to be caught up on that sticky web again but here I find myself getting all gaga over this man I had never seen before ! What's wrong with me? Must be the cold and being tired from the long day.

As we come to the door i stopped and pulled away again and without looking in those beautiful eyes again said, "thank you very much, i can get myself in from here." I tried to say it firmly bit it was very hard to do with my teeth chattering and my body shaking.

Softly he answered me, "That is fine I will stay here till I see you are safely inside."

I stepped away from him toward the door. He did not move. "Ok he's not going to try to come in, good. " I thought to myself. I put my key in the lock and turned the handle. As I opened the door to step through I looked back at him standing there glowing in the moonlight and he smiled at me.

6: Under a Spell

Under a spell

As that beautiful smile illuminated the night my heart leapt within my chest. I knew I had to get inside that door quickly or I would be totally undone. With a small wave I rushed into the house and closed the door between us throwing the bolt and locking it tightly.

As I leaned weakly against the door my heart racing and my blood pounding in my ears I began to shake again. Sinking to the floor and hugging my knees to my chest I found myself laughing our loud. That had to be the most bizzare meeting I had ever experienced in my entire life. My mind was utterly confused and fuzzy. I tried to reason and figured out what exactly has happened. I just could not focus. Shivering with cold and some unexplainable fear had numbed my mind.

Finally I dragged myself off the floor and went straight for a hot shower, as by this point I was chilled to the bone. I turned on the faucets full force and stepped under the hot steamy shower. As I closed my eyes and allowed the water to flow, it seemed that suddenly all I could see behind my lids were his eyes and smile . I tried everything to clear them; shaking my head, talking out loud to myself, trying to blank my mind! I even went so far as to proud upon my head to erradicate that thought and vision. But nothing worked, he was inside my head. Haunting my every thought and vision.

I finished my shower and wrapped myself in my big fluffy robe and padded to my room. Flipping on the television for ambient noise, mostly, I dressed in my sleep pants and a big animaniacs t shirt I had gotten as a kid. Crawling under the warm cozy covers I pulled them up to my chin and snuggled down.

7: What to Do

What to do?

As I lay there getting nice and toasty under my covers, with the low hum of the television in the background , I began to think over what had just occurred. Why had I been so strongly affected by this stranger? How had I allowed him to slip under my defenses? What if he comes back here looking for me? I mean, he knows where I live so it won't take much to find out just who I am. I knew nothing about him at all. Absolutely nothing. He could be wanted by the FBI for all I know!

Yet my mind keeps turning over and over the details of our chance meeting on the beach. The sound of his mesmerizing voice and his deep brown eyes piercing through to my very soul, it seemed. His strong arms as he carried me up the beach. His soft breath flowing over my cheek as I lay my head on his shoulder. The way he just seemed to put me under a spell. It was all so wonderfully sweet and overwhelming at the same time. My mind continued to turn over the events of this very confusing day and the presence of this very troubling man in my thoughts.

As I lay there in my warm cozy bed, all snuggled down, tossing to and fro with all these questions in my head , my mind began to drift back to a time, that until recently, I could not bear to think of without acute pain and anguish. The time of my life that was so wonderful and painful at the same time. The time when in my innocence and naivety I allowed myself to be fooled.

8: Painful Memories

Painful memories

You see, about three years ago, I was a very different person. I had a very successful little business in a small New England town near the shore.

Yes, even in New England the ocean beckoned me with her voice. The shores just aren't the same there though as they are in Florida . Then there's that nasty cold stuff too.

But I was very happy and content with my life. I had my business, as a veterinarian, and a wonderful little cottage near the shore, and a man who I thought was my dream come true. For almost ten years we had been together working side by side every day sleeping side by side every night. He was my friend, my confidant, my lover. I never thought things were so different in his eyes. I believed him when he said he loved me and was happy. Right up until the end.

I never saw any sign that he wasn't happy. I have been over it a thousand times in my head but still I cannot see where I missed a sign.

Then one day three years ago we had just arrived home from work and he turned to me as we entered our little cottage and said, "I want a divorce. I don't love you and I want to do my thing . I am tired of this life."

I was stunned beyond belief. I could not speak for I was stricken to my very core. He packed his bags right then and moved out. That day my heart broke into a million tiny, little pieces. Pieces that I felt would never be put together again.

That was the single most horrible day of my entire life. It hurt more than when my mother died. Because that day a part of me died. I became a loner and stopped going out.

After the divorce was finalized and he had taken his part of the business and house I decided to sell off my part and move back to Florida and the ocean I loved and trusted.

Like the rocky shores of New England in winter my life was cold and empty. I needed some sunshine to heal my broken life.

9: Dreams

Dreams

I guess because I was ruminating on those dreadful events, as I was falling asleep, I dreamt such awful painful dreams. That is until the last dream I had before I woke.

I dreamed that I was standing on a high rocky cliff and my ex was standing just behind me pushing me toward the edge . I kept fighting him but he was stronger than I. As I neared the edge I looked down and immediately below me stood that beautiful man I had met on the beach. He put his arms out to motion me that he would catch me. I stopped fighting and as that one who killed my heart pushed me over the edge I let go and fell.

Well as with most dreams when you fall or are about to die , I woke up. Startled I cried out. To who? I don't know. But my heart was racing and I was sweating profusely. The dream was so vivid, so real, I felt as if I had been struggling and fighting. I also felt disappointed that he had disappeared from me. Such confusing thoughts. Now I knew I'd never get back to sleep after that.

10: Lifes A Beach

Life's a Beach

I finally drug my tired bones out of bed, as I knew sleep would be a fruitless endeavor. I decided to go out on my balcony off of my bedroom. One of the most attractive features of this house, after it's proximity to the beach, was the master bedroom and its balcony, from which I could see my lovely lady, the ocean.

The breezes always blow off the water and keep thing comfortably cool up there. Throwing a blanket around my shoulders, I did not wish to get chilled again, I stepped out into the early predawn light and chill air.

Casting my eyes out across the sea I could see the last vestiges of the moon reflecting softly across the water. The sun was not yet peeking over the horizon so moonlight was all I had. Sitting down in my old bentwood rocker that belonged to my mothers mother, then to my mother,and now to me, I began to gently rock to the rhythm of the sea.

I could hear the small sounds of the baby birds that had been born a few days before as they demanded their breakfast from mom and dad. There were other birds beginning to awaken and call quietly to each other. It was as if they were saying ,"Time to get up ! Rise and shine! " As I sat there with my eyes closed and my feet tucked under me, rocking gently with the soft creak of the chair beneath me, I began to relax. The knots of tension that had been in me since I awoke from my dream were slowly slipping away. I began to smile , this was my paradise. No one was going to ruin that for me, especially my ex!

Suddenly I got that tingling feeling at the nape of my neck like I was being watched. Slowly I peeked thru my lids and tried to look around without moving my head. Nothing. Just the birds,and trees, and ocean were there. The sensation was getting stronger though instead of going away . I couldn't help myself as the fear started to trickle down my spine. I started to imagine all sorts of things out there watching me. I really needed to get a dog or something. After sitting still for what seemed like hours but in reality was probably five minutes I bolted out if my chair and back into the safety of my bedroom. In my haste to flee my imagination I left the blanket in the rocker.

I locked my doors and peered out over the landscape trying to see what or who was watching me. To no avail, and my profound irritation, There was nothing there. What was wrong with me? I had it made here . Why was I suddenly so jumpy and emotional? I didn't have to work if I chose not to, I lived in my dream house at my dream location. I had land surrounding me with fences and protection. Life for me was a beach. So why was I so unsettled?

11: A New Day

A New Day

Once I calmed my nerves enough I decided to get dressed and head down stairs to the kitchen to get some breakfast . I was so disoriented by the tumultuous events of the previous evening I had forgotten to eat. So right about that time my stomach was feeling pretty hollow.

As I padded to the bathroom I glanced in the full length mirror that stood in the corner if the room. This was another family heirloom passed down from my grandmother. It was a beautiful polished oak with curved edges and an elegant engraving around the edges of tiny scrolls and stars. I recalled as a child standing in front of that mirror and making silly faces with my grandmother. As I passed I saw my reflection and, needless to say, I was a mess.

I was blessed to get the best from each of my parents, so I was not an ugly duckling but I had never considered myself a beauty either. With my blonde locks falling about mid back and my sapphire blue eyes that I got from my mother and my dark skinbed complexion I inherited from my father, who was an American Indian, I had a decent look about me. So the darkness of my skin set off my fair eyes and hair well. At this moment though my eyes were puffy and red from lack of sleep and nerves and my hair was a ratted, tangled mess.

As I stood there taking in my reflection I thought to myself , " You are having paranoid delusions girl?" I mean really I was starting to get weird thoughts about stalkers and people like that .

Quickly I went into the bathroom and splashed some cold water on my face and combed out my rats nest. I grabbed a tank top and some board shorts from the drawer and threw them on. I didn't even care if they matched. I headed down stairs as I mentally planned my day.

I had a lot to accomplish today as I had spent too long on the beach last night . And then fallen into a dead but not dreamless sleep . As I entered my big farmhouse style kitchen with it's cheery yellow and white colors I could not help but smile. This room never failed to perk me up. Even in gray days it was it's own spot of sunshine and light for me.

My spirits were instantly brighter and happier. Now I could face this day and have fun doing it. I sat at the counter and began to write my list.

12: The Best Laid Plans...

The Best Laid Plans...

As I sat there writing my list I nibbled on a banana and drank some orange juice. As my mind churned out the list if things that I needed to do to make this property what I had dreamed I found myself adding 'get a dog' to my list. The events of the previous twenty-four hours had rattled my nerves more than I wanted to admit out loud.

I stopped for a few minutes to pour myself a bowl of cereal with some almond milk. I then returned to my list, pulling my laptop over to my perch at the counter at the same time. I figured I either wanted a trainable guard dog or something that at least looked intimidating but was cuddly, that would maybe even sleep with me.

I had owned two Sheba Inus when I lived in New England, but shortly after he left my ex came and took one saying she was his dog. My poor male Innu, which I loved dearly too, simply pined away for his buddy. He would not eat despite all my efforts. Soon he would not get up even to drink or play, till one day he just stopped breathing. All my knowledge as a vet and I could not help him over his broken heart any more than I could help myself. There were times I wished I could just fall asleep and not wake up too.

I started researching the local shelters and vets websites to see if I could find something there. I got the numbers and called a few of them. I found some were only open for adoptions a few days a week. Then I hit upon this one vet that had a Facebook page with pictures of rescues and pets available for adoption. I called them immediately. They told me they had just had a Sheba and a little chihuahua come in that were in need of a home. Sadly the owner was ill but didn't want to take them to a shelter. I asked if there had been any interest in them yet. They told me no. I requested some pictures as we exchanged e-mail addresses.

When the pictures arrived I was immediately in love with these two dogs. Something in the Inus eyes spoke right to my soul. It had a beautiful white coat with grey markings. The little Chihuahua was so tiny in comparison. I could not have weighed much more than three or four pounds. I had the sweetest little face that just made me smile. It had a long black coat with a white crest on its chest and some tam makings along its face and paws. I immediately called the vets office back and got their address and directions.I decided to take a drive down to their office right at that moment to see if the dogs were as friendly as they were beautiful.

It was not a short drive but the time in the road gave me a chance to think how serious was I about getting another dog?

13: Sheena and Yip

~~Sheena and Yip

When I finally arrived at the veterinary office I had decided that, yes, I was ready for another dog and, maybe even, I would take both dogs home. I had already seen their pictures online and was beginning to fall in love with them before I ever saw them in person. I sincerely hoped they had great personalities.

When I entered the office door I was greeted with an impressively clean and organized waiting area. Other pet parents were siting there waiting for their babies turn to go in and see the doctor. The receptionist greeted me and asked, "May I help you?" While glancing behind me to see if I had an animal with me.

I said," I called you earlier about the two rescued pups." Her face lit up like a Christmas tree and her smile went from ear to ear. Now I knew exactly what she was feeling, having been a vet the better part of ten years. I had experience with strays , rescues, shelters, and just plain unwanted pets. It was hope in her face. Hope that I would love these dogs. Little did she know I was already half way there.

She escorted me back into a small exam room and said," My name I Jennifer I'm so glad you came. Hold on I'll be right back with Sheena and Yip. "

I thought to myself," Sheena must be the big one, and the Chihuahua is Yip, because they sound like they are saying yip when they bark." Most people don't like a barking dog all that much, but if you train them right they will know when to bark and when not to bark .

As I sat there the door opened slowly and she entered with the most adorable chi I had ever seen in my life! He was even cuter than his picture ! I was so captivated by him I failed to notice the second person entering the room with the other dog. By the time I looked up it was too late to mask my utter surprise .

The man leading in the Shiba was none other than my pseudo rescuer with the liquid brown eyes and magnetic smile. I'm sure my eyes were wide with shock and my mouth was hanging open like a broken garage door.

Jennifer tuned to me and said ,"This is Keevan our resident in training. His father is the head doctor here. I looked at Keevans beautiful eyes and he stretched out his hand and said in that smooth voice if his," We have met once before, I believe, although I never got the chance to get your name either."

" Hello K-Keevan." I said. The receptionist spoke up then and said, "Oh this is Dr. Josephine . She just moved here recently from the New England area. "

"Well Dr. Josephine it is a pleasure to meet you and to see you are willing to help out these pups in their time of need."

I had been so shocked by the sight if him that I had totally forgotten my reason for being there! "Y-Y-Yes, " I stammered, " I thought it time to get a guard dog or two."

He looked at me very intensely and with a raised eyebrow said, " Oh really?"

"Yes, really!" I retorted . Why was it he could unnerve me so easily? What was it that made me snap at him so easily?

I turned to the receptionist who was looking at both of us rather wide eyes and said, " So is this Yip?"

"No this is Sheena I am holding here in my arms and that is Yip there." she said pointing at the Shiba.

"Oh!" I laughed, "That is totally not what I expected!"

By this time Keevan and Jennifer were both laughing along with me at my silly assumption. As Jenifer handed me Sheena she said' " She is very quiet and calm for a Chihuahua and you will very rarely hear her bark, according to her previous owner. Although he did say she is prone to howling in the middle of the night if she is left alone. Apparently he allowed her to sleep with him. That may take some adjustment if you chose not to allow that."

"Oh no, I fully intend to allow this little one to sleep with me at night." I replied.

Keevan glanced at me with a sardonic grin on his face and that quirky eyebrow lift I was beginning to find quite attractive. He said very quietly, "And what about poor Yip over here? Does he get a new home too?"

I stepped over while holding Sheena in my arms, because I was already getting attached to her, and stooped down to pet Yip. He immediately put his nose into the crook of my neck and gave me a doggie kiss.

"Awe look! He likes you too! He can tell you are an animal person." Jennifer exclaimed.

"Well, to be honest with you, I am a vet myself, I just have not been practicing the last year due to unforeseen circumstances."

Again Keeven gave me that raised brow and asked, "well where did you practice? Not around here, huh?"

Jennifer gave him a reproachful look and said, "Sorry , Keevan is a very curious soul but he is excellent with the animals."

It was quite amusing to see him actually blush slightly and look slightly abashed. In our two encounters he had always had the upper hand and control of the situation and truthfully it was a little scintillating to see him that way.

"It is not a problem Jennifer; I had a clinic in New England for almost ten years. Due to issues my partner in business and I went our separate ways and dissolved the business. Shortly after that I moved here."

This was way more information than I had wanted to give while in Keevan's presence but I felt sorry for him in a way after she reprimanded him in front of me.

"Well, " Jennifer said, "That's encouraging to hear. We get so many who have no clue what they are doing when they get a rescued pet but I am sure you have a lot of experience with this type of thing. So let's go get the paperwork started. Keevan, can you please get all their things together for us? "

I followed Jennifer out to the front desk again and she began to gather all the documents I would need to fill out and sign to take both dogs home with me. As se explained all the paperwork to me my mind was wandering into its own realm of thought. I was only half listening to her as I knew pretty much what I needed to do.

Finally she lay the documents in front of me and I signed on the lines she had highlighted. Handing them back with my check for the adoption fees, I sighed with relief to see another young woman walking out with Yip and a large bag of toys and food for the dogs. I wanted to get out of there without seeing Keevan again if I could.

Both Jennifer and the other young woman took a few moments to pet and cuddle the pups as they would not see them again and I chaffed to get out of there. But I could not be rude to them either. Contrary to what most people believe veterinarians do get attached to the pets they see. It Hurts them just as much when your pet dies as it does you. So I allowed them a few moments.

Finally I was able to gather everything and was turning heading out the door when a voice started calling, " Dr, Josephine, you forgot these!"

With an exasperated sigh I turned to see what he was talking about and nearly collided with Keevan.

As I jumped back, glaring at him, I said, "What is that?"

He said, "This is the registration papers on both dogs that the previous owner left with us. You may want to register and microchip both dogs as you live in an area where sometimes an animal can get lost in the surrounding countryside."

I put out my hand and gave him a look that clearly said, " You don't think I know that?"

He placed the papers in my hand and gave me that magnificent smile of his and turned and walked away.

It was all I could do to get out of there as the staff all waved goodbye to Sheena and Yip.

14: Settling In

~~Settling In

Once I had gained the safety of my car, and carefully secured both dogs, I took a moment to peruse the contents of the bag. There were numerous squeaky toys and chewing bones as well as two separate bowls for food and water with each dogs name on it. There was also a small bag of food as well as some reward treats. I felt it was safe to assume the previous owner had endeavored to train the dogs at some point. How much training they had received? I had no idea.

They both say quietly in the car as I looked over their belongings. There were two beds in the bag as well. One was a small oval-shaped bed with a fluffy pillow and high sides. Surely that was Sheenas bed as it was way too small for Yip. The other bed was more of a large pillow type bed with a foam core for comfort and a soft fluffy covering over that. This bed was rolled into a tight cylinder so when I pulled it out it popped open surprising me and I dropped it on the seat.

Immediately Yip sat up on his haunches and cocked his beautiful white head at me as if to say ,"Hey that's my bed!" And I could have sworn he smiled at me! Glancing over at Sheena I could see she was very relaxed in the carrier I had brought for her. This was a good sign. Neither dog was agitated or over excited. I really liked that.

Finally I put the car in gear and headed home. I figured I would make a trip to the pet store later in the week to purchase some if my own collars and ID tags for the dogs. I had a few Microchip kits left from when I was practicing so I decided to use those for Yip and Sheena. And I could insert them myself and save another trip to the vets office. I was not sure if I would use this vet yet for their regular health checks or not.

As we arrived home I pulled into the drive pressing the remote to open the garage. Yip immediately began barking, well it was more of a yip, excitedly. He was wagging his tail and yipping quietly as we pulled into the large garage. I decided I would allow him to run around a little within the immediate confines of the yard that was fenced off within the outer property fence close to the house. I gently lifted Sheena from her carrier and opened the door for Yip to get out of the car. He stepped down gently without bolting and stood next to the car as I secured the bag of goodies and closed the doors . I was quite pleased at this point with his behavior.

I strolled over to the door leading to the back yard, dropping the bag on the washer as I passed. Yip stayed properly behind to the right of me and did not rush the door or crowd me. I opened the door fully expecting him to barrel through it to freedom. This dog was too good to be true. He sat on his haunches and looked to me waiting for the signal that it was ok to go. I smiled down at him and said, "Go play Yip." That's all it took, he bounded excitedly out the door and began to circle the yard, stopping every few feet to sniff and claim his territory. I set little Sheena down and she went through the same procedure of waiting for my signals. When I gave it she daintily pranced out the door and straight to the farthest corner to do her business. Once she had completed the task she pranced over to Yip and poked him in the backside. Then the chase that ensued was comical to behold. She kept ahead of him by a good three feet all around the yard zigging and zagging all over the place. Finally she pulled up short turned on him and faced him down. He barely had time to stop before he barreled over her. They playfully tumbled and wrestled for a few moments. She then pranced back over to where I stood and sat at my feet.

Yip took a little longer to finish his business and stretch his limbs so I grabbed the ball out of their bag and started throwing it for him . His joy was clear. He got the ball and brought it back quickly and lay it at my feet. Sitting he waited for me to throw it again. So I did. We played for about ten minutes with Sheena sitting quietly by watching us play. Like a mother watching her children. I tried to give them both plenty if praise, pats and rubs for their good behavior so they would know I was pleased.

Finally we went inside and I set them up a cozy little corner just off the kitchen to spend their daytime hours in. I put away the food and set their bowls out next to the refrigerator filling them with fresh food and water. I was not sure they knew whose was whose but they waited patiently for me to finish and then give them the signal it was ok to eat. They then each proceeded to their proper bowl of food and water. I realize then their owner had spent many hours lovingly training them and I was reaping the benefits.

After eating and drinking they both began to investigate their new surroundings. Sheena was a bit more timid about moving too far away from me but Yip was all over the place. Finally the dogs settled down to watch some television with me on the couch.

It was comforting having them there , hearing them breathing and being able to talk to them. I had not realized how much I missed the companionship. I felt content. Things were going very much the way I wanted them to go now. Tomorrow I would tackle some more of my 'to do' list. For tonight, I planned to relax with my new 'family'.

15: Attitude

~~Attitude

The next morning after one of the most restful nights I had experienced since 'he' walked out on me, I felt like a new person. I had allowed both dogs to sleep with me on the bed and they had been a soothing comfort to me. As I stretched luxuriously enjoying the soft morning light shining in through my balcony doors , Sheena licked my face and Yip sat up expectantly.

Well any good pet parent knows how important it is to let your babies out to do their business as soon as possible. Otherwise you will have a none too pleasant surprise on your hands. So I pulled on my fluffy robe and slid my feet into my comfy slippers and padded down stairs with the dogs in tow. Opening the back sliding door I signaled them to go.

While they were taking care of their business I stepped over to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of cool water. This was a habit of many years. Like some need their caffeine in the morning I need my water. As I stood there watching my two loves and drinking my water I was ruminating over my 'to do' list in my head. Today I was going to work on the east side of the fence line nearest to the ocean. It really needed some strict attention to clear out the undergrowth. Also portions of the fence needed repair, but I would have to find a reliable company to do that for me as I did not have the skills or tools for it. I also wanted to take the dogs for a run on the beach later.

As I stood there pondering my day ahead and watching the dogs romp and play happily I suddenly felt that itch at the nape of my neck again. But neither dog seemed to sense any type of disturbance . I did not know what to think. Was I just being paranoid? Were they not aware enough yet of the surroundings here in their new home? What was wrong with me? Shaking my head rapidly to disperse these thoughts and feelings I called the dogs to heel. They both instantly obeyed so I rewarded them with love and head rubs. I took them inside and gave them some food while I prepared a slice of toast for myself and pulled some grapes from the fridge.

I had an idea then; maybe I would plant some fruits and vegetables of my own. There was plenty of space to the west side of the house to set up a garden. Maybe when I found a fence company to repair the others I would add another fenced in area there to put my garden in. Quickly I wrote that on my list so I would not forget. Pulling my trusty laptop over I began searching for local fence companies. I jotted down four or five numbers to call later and then decided to check my email.

There was the typical daily advertisement from some of my former suppliers in New England as well as some new companies locally seeking my business. There was also the daily email from my brother who lived in India. He was a medical missionary there working in a hospital in new deli and ministering through a free underground clinic in his off hours. There was also an email from the veterinarians office where I'd gotten Yip and Sheena. Curiously I opened the email to see why they might be contacting me so soon. I hoped nothing was wrong with the adoption or that the previous owner had changed their mind. I opened the email and realized I was overreacting again! It was just a welcome and information email.

I had to get my thinking back on track! I used to be a very positive person. Always seeing the good in a situation or person. Lately though,at least since the divorce, I was focusing more in the negative,worrisome, cynical aspect of things. Right then I decided that I was not going to do that any more. As of that moment positive, happy, hopeful, and thankful thoughts were going to be my goal. My heart suddenly felt lighter and smiling radiantly at my sweet babies I said, "This is a new beginning for all of us so let's get to it!" Joyously they kept up and began licking my hand as I tousled their fur. Then somehow I ended up down on the floor rolling and playing with them and laughing like I had not laughed in a very long time.

16: I must be crazy

~~I must be crazy

It felt so good to laugh with my loves and as I headed up to dress for my day I felt lighter than I had felt in a very long time. It was a wonderful feeling! I grabbed some shorts and a tank, my daily comfort clothes, and put them on. I decided since I was going to be working in the yard I would wear something a little more substantial than flip-flops on my feet so I dug my old Crocs out of their hiding place in the back of the closet and slipped into them. The day outside was sunny but not too warm so I grabbed a light jacket as well to ward off any chills.

Heading back down stairs I grabbed my water jug and keys for the tool shed. The dogs looked at me rather inquisitively as if to ask ,"Are you leaving without us?" Laughing I said come on you two and headed out the door, grabbing their leashes for the walk on the beach. I was confident the obedience and superb training they had shown me already would be sufficient if they wandered too near the perimeter fence while I was working. As we made our way across the yard to the tool shed Sheena stuck to me like glue while Yip explored a little. He never wandered more than ten feet from me.

Always watchful and aware of everything around me I found my self relaxing knowing I had Yips heightened senses working for me now. I unlocked the tool shed and flipping on the light before entering, because it's just creepy to walk into a dark room or building, I looked around and went inside. I had a little gardening wagon to attach to my riding lawn mower so I decided since I was heading to the far end of the property I'd use that as my means of transporting my tools. I mean I easily could have walked the distance but not with all those tools in hand. I loaded my trailer with a shovel, pruners, how, a small pick axe, trowel, gloves, and a couple of large lawn garbage bags for the refuse I would be cutting away. Hooking the trailer to the mower I hopped up with Sheena and cranked it up.

She was a little unsure just what this noisy contraption was so I took a moment to let her know it was ok. Yip was dancing excitedly by and I motioned for him to join us up on the mower . He jumped up to me and curled at my feet . In that moment I realized just how lucky I had been to find these two precious gems. Smiling contentedly I began my trek to the far east corner of the property.

When we arrived at our destination I shut the tractor down and just sat for a moment enjoying the peaceful quiet. No Traffic sounds, no harsh city cacophony beating in my ears just the soft whisper of the gentle breeze through the trees and the low mummer of the ocean behind me . The small sounds of insects and wildlife scampering about and the singing of the birds soon ensued. The dogs and I stood there in that beautiful space of time silently taking in the beauty of Gods wonderful creation around us.

As I sat there enveloped in such beauty and majesty for some reason my mind went to him. Keevan. The most beautiful man, no human, I had ever seen. His voice still echoing in my ears, his smile radiating to my heart, his strength and warmth remembered by my body. I found my self just standing there daydreaming about him instead of getting to the job at hand.

I was suddenly and abruptly shaken from that pleasant, dreamy place by the reality of both dogs barking. I turned to see just why they both were barking, since up to this point I had not heard Sheena bark, and to my utter surprise there stood the very object of my daydreaming! Blinking my eyes rapidly to clear the cobwebs, and make sure I was not seeing things, I commanded the dogs to quiet. They obeyed quickly despite their excitement at seeing Keevan.

My chest was pounding for some reason and all I could hear was the rush of my blood in my ears. I thought to myself, "I must be crazy allowing him affect me this way!

He said," I'm sorry, I did not mean to sneak up on you. When I knocked on your door and no one answered I heard the tractor out this way. So on the off-chance that it was you I followed the sound."

"Oh," I replied ."What is it that you needed?" At this point I could not think of any reason he would need to come here.

"When you left yesterday I forgot to give you these," and he reached in the pocket of his cargo shorts and pulled out two shiny metal objects.

"What are those?" I asked, stepping towards him to see what they were.

" The dogs rabies tags." He replied. "Here in the state of Florida you must have them, and keep them updated. Their previous owner had just completed their shot updates a short time ago. He left these with them but they were not in that bag of goodies you were given.I went to the back to pull them out of the safe box for you but before I could return to the front you had left."

As he stood there explaining his reason for being here it was all I could do to focus on the words he was saying, because the honey smoothness of his voice was overwhelming my senses. These feelings were not totally foreign to me, but the intensity with which I felt them was. No human had ever affected me in this way. He was like a wizard casting a spell on me, placing me in a trance. All logical reasoning and thought could become paralyzed by his beautiful presence and lyrical voice.

As I put out my hand to take the tags from him I said, "Why thank you, but you could have mailed them you didn't have to make a trip all the way here."

"Well, actually, it wasn't all that far to go." He replied.

At that point he placed the tags into my hand just slightly brushing my palm with his elegant fingertips. The electric shock that ran through me in that moment was so powerful I jumped back a few steps. His eyes widened and his breath caught as well, as we stood there gazes locked for several seconds.

17: Mark

~~Mark

As I stood there staring into Keevans dark, dreamy eyes I knew I had to break the spell somehow. Quickly I turned away and called the dogs to heel. Anything to gain my own ground again. This man was so strongly attractive to me and as I've said before I really did not want to get tangled in that web if love and trust and risk having my heart broken before it had even truly mended, if that was even possible. I was still raw after all this time from my Broken marriage. Those tragic events had altered my life and thinking forever.

Let me tell you a little story. Many years ago this young , innocent college girl met another man. His name was Mark. He was smart, handsome, popular, and dashing. He could charm the most beligerant drunk into quiet. He had an inside communication with animals as well. He seemed to be Mr. Perfect. Mark saw this sweet young girl and decided he wanted her for his own. He courted her, spoiled her, told her he loved her more than anything. She was surprised he even showed her a moments notice though because she felt she was just plain compared to his outstanding looks and personality. He was a leader on campus at the college they both attended as veterinarian trainees. He her with a vengeance until she fell in love with him heart and soul. So complete was her love she would have died for him. They married shortly after graduation and set out to start their clinic together and build a life together. They worked hard and long side by side every day. Mark did all the road work while she kept the doors if the clinic open. With the vast farmland around them Mark had plenty if calves and lambs and colts to help the farmers with not to mention regular state in the office and took care of paperwork and office visitors. Their clinic was small but thriving. They were beloved by the community and animals alike. They had their own little paradise. That naive girl was me. And my paradise had been shattered by that one man who I thought would never betray me. Mark. So you see I had no business or desire to get swept off of my feet ever again. It would only end in hear ache and despair and once in a lifetime of that was enough for me. It was not a place or situation I wanted to find myself in that someone, anyone, could hurt me like Mark did.

18: Taking Control

~~Taking Control

As our gazes remained locked I knew I had to do something to get this situation under control. Stepping back quickly I said, " You are more than kind in making a point of bringing me these." Turning away from keevan I went to grab my tools and begin my tasks.

"Like I said it wasn't far for me to come." He replied.

"Well thank you just the same." I said.

"If you would like I can help you with that," he said , as he stepped toward the cart to lift out some tools. "This is an area that has remained neglected too long and is a great fire risk. I have been meaning to get to it myself I just have not had the time."

That got my attention! "What? Why would you clear this fence line? It is my property not yours!" I demanded.

Chuckling softly he said, " Oh I guess you don't know? We are neighbors. That is why I was down on that stretch if beach the other night it runs right behind my house."

My eyes must have been as big as saucers at this announcement because his chuckle turned into a full out laugh! I was quite embarrased at this point and it was making me a bit angry. I usually had no problem with my temper unless I was embarrassedand then it would flare up as a protective measure. "Just exactly what do you find so amusing about that?" I stormed. "I have not had sufficient time to meet the neighbors yet. I am sorry if I have been rude. " By this point I was just trying to save face and exit this awkward moment gracefully. "Well," I said, " I guess then I should let you help me, but remember you volunteered." I was hoping that he would actually decline or give an excuse of having to go to work. Something , anything would be acceptable to me just to get him to leave.

He lifted the spade and how from the cart and looking me right in the eye said, " We can do this , let's get started." Heading toward the fence he said, "I will work along this area breaking up the weeds and rocks why don't you take the rake and bag and pick up what I break out."

Now I was trying to gain control Of my own life and he stands there telling me how we are going to proceed in my yard work.

Stomping my foot I angrily barked, " This is my yard I'll give the orders if that's what needs to be done! " The funny thing was the way he said it was exactly what I was thinking. But I was not going to let him know that!

"Whoa! Simmer down there sweetheart, " he said," I don't mean to barge in it's your project not mine. I'm sorry. Tell me what you want me to do and I'll get started." His said this while looking at me with those beautiful eyes and that disarming smile.

I felt bad for being so curt but I also felt justified. "If we are going to get anything done here we need to get started. If you want to break up the junk it's fine." With an exasperated sigh I turned to the cart to grab the rake and refuse bag. I was not doing a very good job of taking control of my life and he was the reason why!

Sauntering over to the fence Keevan began to break up the weeds and rocks along the fence with the hoe. I carefully tuned the chunks with the spade to separate the rocks and weeds. Silently we worked for about an hour with the only sounds being the soft murmur of the ocean, the birds chirping, the dogs panting, and the clank and strike of the hoe and spade. It was. For me, a very relaxing and thought provoking hour. What does he want? Is he going to want me to pay back his favor? Is he wanting to get an edge on my land? Does he want to take advantage of me?

Taking charge I declared, " Break time! We all need some water." Looking up at me Keevan nodded and set his hoe aside. Wiping the perspiration from his brow on the sleeve of his t shirt he stepped toward the tractor.

Intercepting him before he could reach the cart and jump into control I grabbed the water for the dogs first. Pointing to the cooler I said ,"You can get a drink from there , I'll take care of the dogs. "

"Thank you." He replied softly. Grabbing a bottle from the cooler he perched his foot up on the cart and opened his bottle of water. I poured out the water for Yip and Sheena who had been lying in the shade most of the last hour. I grabbed a bottle of water for myself and began drinking so greedily I almost forgot Keevan was there. Almost.

19: All Work No Play

~~All Work No Play

My greedy gulping done, I put the water down, turned to Keevan, and said, "Back to work! Unless you're done in for the day ?" I was hoping he was.

"No, ma'am, I have plenty of work left in me." He drawled , mockingly, with a sardonic grin on his face. "

I didn't mean it that way! " I exclaimed.

That caused him to break out into a full grin and with a mischievous look in his eye he said,"What are you orders ma'am?"

Now I could have let him upset me again with his sarcasm, and I almost did , but I decided to play along. "Well, young man, you had better get to work," I commanded."Or I may have to flog you with a wet noodle." This statement was made with my sternest voice and look.

He exploded into laughter doubling over and holding his sides. I know I probably did not look all that mean but, seriously, was it that funny? I looked at him quizzically and just decided to join him in laughing at myself. Soon we both were laughing so hard we were gasping for breath.

Finally I caught my breath and wiping the tears from my eyes I said, "Wow! I needed that. Thank you." I was truly grateful the laughter somehow had broken the tension between us and cleared my mind . I felt lighter, happier, freer.

Keevan said," it should be the one thanking you! I have not laughed like that in a very long time. " With that he stepped over , picked up his hoe and headed back to work. I followed suit. Soon we had finished almost the entire fence line on that corner for twenty five feet in each direction. By this time the sun was beating down mercilessly and the temperature had climbed to the upper eighties. We both were drenched in sweat and the dogs had long ago lost any interest in playing. I decided we needed to call a halt to this hot work till later in the evening when it would be a bit cooler.

Walking to the tractor I called over to Keevan, " Let's knock off for a few hours till it cools down. Ok? I want to take the dogs for a walk along the water and I have things I can work on inside till it cools down."

" Ok," he replied, " But I was just getting into the swing of things."

I don't know what I was hoping he would say , maybe I wanted him to offer to stay , or maybe I wanted him to go, I was so confused. To my utter horror I found myself saying, " You are more than welcome to stay, if you wish." Now why did I say that? Oh please, please , I silently begged, say no.

" Well, that's mighty nice of you to say ," he drawled in that southern accent. " I might just take you up on that."

I could not help myself my mouth began to twitch with a smile as laughter bubbled up trying to break through my lips. "Well, Suh, ". I drawled back,"If you do you must make yourself useful. " Grabbing the leashes I held them out to him with a silly grin on my face. This game was kind of fun and I had not had this much fun in a long time either. He strolled over and took the leashes from my hand as he whistled for the dogs who were lounging in the shade. They immediately obeyed. Hooking their leashes to their collars he took Yips and handed me Sheenas and headed for the gate.

This was the same gate he had carried me through the other night. As we passed through the gate I glanced at him and our eyes met with that intimate memory. I looked away quickly. Things were going along well without romance, I actually was thinking we could become friends. We walked down to the waters edge and began walking north away from my property. As we strolled along in companionable silence I was enjoying the warm sun on my back and the gentle roar of the ocean as the waves tumbled onto shore and skittered across our feet in their efforts to reach as far up on the sand as their momentum would push them. Then watching them as they were scampering back to meet the next wave before it had even met the shore. The dogs were sniffing all around and enjoying the walk as much as I was.

After a short distance Keevan stopped and pointing up the beach he said, "That's where I was sitting when I saw you the other night." Peering up to the small dune I had no idea how to respond. I happened to glance past the dune a little further up the shore and saw a beautiful beach house sitting just over the rise. It was painted in the most serene blue I had ever seen with soft white trim and a beautiful sandstone colored tile roof. There were magnificent windows facing the ocean which, I was sure, provided a superb view of the water and sky line.

Looking at Keevan I asked, "Is that yours?" as I nodded toward the house.

"Yes," he said softly ," It is the place I call home." He said this with almost a reverent hush in his voice and I could tell he loved that house.

This man was becoming more and more intriguing to me the longer I knew him the more questions I had. Who exactly was he? Was he some rich playboy? Was he born to money? Why was he doing an internship in an animal clinic if he had money? Did he have money? My mind was whirling like a cyclone with questions.

He must have seen the questions in my eyes, even though I tried to hide them because he said, "Someday I will tell you a little story about that house. But not right now it's too nice a day for story telling. Why don't we go up and get something to drink and I'll show you around, if you're interested." I was not sure what to do. I wanted to see the house but was it wise to go into his territory with him alone? Would he try anything? What were his intentions ? Oh blast it! I should stop being such a scaredy cat!

"I'd like that. " I said, smiling shyly.

Grinning from ear to ear, like I had just made his day, he grabbed my hand and pulled me up the beach to a pathway leading to his own gate.

20: Keevans House

~~Keevans House

We entered the gate side by side and keevan turned to relatch it. I kept walking slowly so I would not get too far ahead and seem over eager to see the house, although truthfully I was. Keevan caught up to me and gently gripping my elbow guided me up the path. Unlike my own pathway, which had been neglected for years, probably, before I had purchased the house, his was perfectly manicured. The bushes and flowers lining the path were all pruned to exactly the perfect size and height. Creating a perfect symmetry of color and proportion. Every brick in the path was clean and squared with no sign of weeds or grass growing up in between. The brick path wove through a blissful garden of flowers that looked ready to bloom. There were live oak trees across the yard creating a luscious canopy in the summer I was sure, although it only being February the branches were pretty bare. The entire yard had a low picket fence running around it. The fence was painted white and looked so beautiful.

I leaned down and unhooked the dogs leashes , mostly to get him to let go of my arm because his touch was sending little electric shocks through me and I was having a hard time breathing. The dogs stayed with us as we approached the house and I took my time taking in every detail.

There was an all too inviting wrap around front porch with a swing at one end and rocking chairs just beckoning to be curled up in. The front door looked to be solid oak hand carved with elegant designs. There were windows facing out onto the porch and from what I could tell from outside the drapes were open to the sunshine.

Keevan took out his key and opening the door put out his hand as if to say ," ta-da!" Smiling at his showmanship I stepped over the threshold, not sure what to expect. As the door locked behind me softly I barely even realized it. The inside was just as beautiful as the outside. It was clean and neat and well cared for. The furnishings were elegant without being ostentatious. The table in the dining area to our right appeared to be hand hewn as well but very professionally done. The colors he had chosen fit so perfectly with the feel of the house with it's ranch style beach theme.

He led the way into the kitchen. Hading for the fridge he asked, "Would you like something to drink?"

"Bottled water, if you have some, please ." I replied. He reached in the refrigerator pulled out two bottles and handed me one. "Thank you." I said. He gestured to the stools pulled up to the counter and nodding I sat on one. He stood on the other side of the counter across from me leaning casually on his elbows. Looking at his beautiful eyes I found myself being captivated by his spell again.

Shaking my self mentally I said," did you do all the Designing and decorating yourself? Everything is so beautiful . I bet you love coming home to the relaxing atmosphere here. I have so much to do before my house gets there. "

By this time I was starting to babble a little bit because he was making me nervous just standing there looking at me. I slid off the stool to escape his stare and paced over to the window which faced the west side of his property. As I stood there looking I realized that off in the distance through the foliage I could see my own house. Funny how I never noticed his house from my direction.

As I stared in a bit of surprise I realized that it was the balcony from my bedroom that I was looking at ! Had he been spying on me? Was that why I felt the eerie trickle down my spine the other night? What was going on? I was very troubled by these thoughts and trying to sort them out before I turned back around for I knew he would be able to see the doubts and fears in my eyes somehow.

As I stood there staring and stewing I felt his warmth suddenly very close behind me. He did not touch me yet I knew he was there. The soft whisper of his breath in my hair and the faint scent of sea upon his skin was so erotic it gave me chills. He whispered softly. ," I see, you noticed my view? It is quite beautiful from every window in this house though. It was designed that way. "

Without turning I murmured, " I can see someone put a lot of thought into designing this house. But a view of trees not another house is more beautiful to me. " I guess I was trying to make a point and maybe find out more about this particular view if I could.

"Well," he chuckled , " You have a point there. But the designer chose this location because of that view right there."

I turned in surprise at that statement and found my self mere inches away from him looking up into his beautiful eyes. His mouth hovering so close I could feel his breath on my cheek. His body so close I could feel the heat from his skin. With wide eyes I looked at him and said," Why would anyone do that?"

Laughing quietly he stepped away and said, " Come sit over here and let me tell you a story."

21: chapter 21 History

Chapter 21

History

I perched on the stool leaning my elbows on the countertop and waited for Keevan to begin his story. I was very intrigued at this point and I don't think anything would have influenced me to move from that spot until I heard his story.

"Let me begin by telling you this, " he said. "This house was built in the early 1900's by my great-grandfather. He was a very successful business person in his era. He built his company from the ground up and earned every penny he made. He was a hard-working, dedicated man. He spent so much time building his business he forgot to build himself a life. Sadly he reached his middle years and realized he was alone. He had dated some through the years, and even had one long-term relationship, but nothing had ever panned out for him. Up to this point he just wasn't willing to take the time. When he realized the state of his life of loneliness he decided to do something about it. He began to attend all those special functions that he had been invited to over the years and declined. The parties, dances, dinners, and conferences. He kept looking for that one who sparked his interest as well. It seemed futile though. Most of the women at these events were already married or in a serious courtship. He was not sure what to do. He decided he would buy some land an build a home to show that he was ready to settle down. Now he was a very handsome man and well thought of in the community. He purchased this property and the adjacent property which you now own. He chose this spot to build his house. He put everything into it that he thought a woman would love and enjoy. It took him three years to finish. He brought in craftsmen from all over the world t lay the marble and carve the doors and newel posts of the stairway . He had master furniture makers to come build the furniture for the dining room and bedrooms. He spared no cost. Across the pasture where your house stands he built a large barn to put his horses in. He owned an impressive stable. During this entire time he continued to search for his Mrs. Right. You see the one thing holding him back in all of this was not money, looks, or even personality. Sadly it was his color. People would not see past the color of his skin in those days and the daughters of the white men were not even allowed to think of looking in his direction. There were very few black men with daughters in the social circles he traveled in. "

" Oh how sad!, " I exclaimed. "prejudice was deep and strong in those days."

"Yes, sadly, it was. " He said. "But despite the deep prejudice my great-grandfather held his head high and carried forward hoping h would find his princess and that he had not missed her. He built the barn with a beautiful upstairs quarters for his groomsman to live. There was a lovely balcony off of the bedroom and from here he could see that balcony. He could see the horses as they were led out to be exercised each day as well. That brought him immense joy. As the house and barn were completed he found great pleasure in all that he had done. But he was still alone. Except for his horses and dogs.

He decided to open his stables to allow people to come in and ride his horses who would not get t ride all the time because they lived in the city. He hired more groomsmen and even some young women to help out in the barn. The barn began to team with customers wanting to experience horse back riding.

One young woman whom he hired was from a poor family in the low rent district of town. She came to him looking for a job telling him she was supporting her younger siblings because her father had died and her mother was ill. He gave her the job of mucking the stalls. A pretty dirty job for a female to be doing. Also a fairly physically strenuous job. She was always punctual. Arriving on time every day before the stables even opened to muck out the stalls and feed and water the horses to prepare them for the day. She took great care in doing her job well. He was very impressed with her. She never complained about the dirty smell or all the men around her who could sometimes be crass. There wasn't much more respect for women than for blacks in that era of time. He decided to find out more about this young lady. He began to investigate her family. He discovered that her father had been one of the founders of their town. He had been well respected in the community. But then the drink had taken its hold on him and he fell into ill repute with the township. They fired him from office and bad went to worse as he became a sloven drunk beating his wife and children regularly when ever he was drunk. He did not seek work but forced his wife to work. She washed and cleaned for local merchants to bring in what ever she could, while he drank most of it away in the bars. One night that cost him his life as a brawl broke out in the tavern he frequented and someone pulled a gun. He was murdered right there. His family buried him and her mother carried on trying t raise the children on her own. Soon though the mother fell very ill. This is what brought the daughter to his barns. He decided to try to help this family. She had several younger siblings of varying ages and most of them were working odd jobs around town at a very poor wage. He called the young woman to his office one day. She entered with a look of stark fear on her face. She was sure he had decided to fire her because she was a female. He motioned for her to sit down and as she perched on the edge of the leather chair he sat behind his desk.

"young lady, " He began, " I have observed you and how you work and have also done some background checking on you. You don't have to worry I am very impressed with your work and your thoroughness. Also the groomsmen have told me you seek to learn new things like grooming the horses and tack care and even saddling the horses. These things are above and beyond the job I hired you to do."

"Oh I am so sorry I tried not to let it interfere with my duties, sir!" she exclaimed

"Oh I was not saying you did," he told her, "I was just saying I noticed. You have done your job well and I am going to give you a raise. as well I would like to offer you and your family a place to live upstairs in the quarters above the barn. I know the area you are living in now and it is not a very safe area for a woman alone with children to be. As well I would like to hire your brothers as groomsmen in training. You would be able to learn with them teaching them your job so they can work their way up like you are. I admire your work ethic. "

" Oh , dear, I don't know what to say!" I need t go talk to my family about all of this. I just don't understand why you are willing to do this?"

"I am willing to do this ," he told her, "Because I know what it is to be where you are and struggle t make ends meet. And being a man of color I had an even greater struggle. I like your willingness to work and work hard. That's why,"

"Thank you sir, so very much! I wont let you down!" With that she dashed out of his office and down the road toward home.

Well needless to say the young woman and her family did move up into that lovely apartment above the barn and her brothers that were of age began to work for my great grandfather with as much dedication as their sister had shown proving he had made a wise choice. He found himself visiting the barn more and more often just to watch them work. and then he found himself going up to check on her mother every so often. When he had finally met her mother, whose name was Olivia, he had felt a kinship with her immediately. He began to spent many hours up in that loft apartment talking to Olivia about so many things, She was a smart, well-educated woman. He knew she must be very lonely up there all alone bedridden as she was. Going up and talking with her while the younger children played around her bed was therapeutic for them both. He found himself falling in love with her. He knew she probably did not feel the same as he did, she was white after all, and kept his feelings hidden. Unbeknownst to him she was falling in love with him as well. This was a big taboo in their time. People did not see it like they do today sadly. She also felt it would not be in his best interest to pursue any relationship as she was so ill. The days passed into years as the children grew and he still visited her almost every day. As the younger children reached an age where they could work he gave them jobs in the barn or in the house. This continued for about seven years. One day he decided this had gone on long enough he was going to open up and be honest with Olivia. He went up to her room and sat by her bed. Reaching over and for the first time in seven years he touched her and took her hand. He sapphire blue eyes looked up at him and a smile touched her lips and she said, "Hello ."

His heart leapt within him and he said, "Olivia we have known each other these seven years, you are my best friend. We have shared laughter and tears, dreams and fears, life's ups and downs and you have become my best friend. Will you become my wife?"

He held his breath as she looked at him with tears gathering in her eyes and he was sure she was going to deny him this wish.

"As much as I tried to convince myself not to say this over the last few weeks," she replied softly, " I am going to say yes. I don't know why you would want to marry me as a cripple knowing I cannot care for you as you deserve but I do know I love you deeply and dearly. My family all love you as well. And those who will frown on our racial differences, well its none of their business!"

He was ecstatic! They married shortly after with her children as the attendants and the pastor from the local missionary Baptist church as the officiate. They had a quiet ceremony here in this house. He moved her and her children here to the house as there was plenty of room. The children did not want t stop working in the barn as they loved the horses so he allowed them to continue. He began to search far and wide for a doctor who could possibly treat his lovely Olivia and maybe even give her the ability to walk again. He found a doctor in Chicago that was willing to give her case a try. They traveled to Chicago and she underwent a delicate operation to fuse her spine. After she had recovered enough to travel home he brought her back home and hired therapist and nurses to help her learn to walk again. About the fifth year of their marriage in the lovely month of may she came to him and said, "Dear husband , you are going to be a father!"

This was wonderful news! he loved her other children as if they were his own but had always desired to have one to pass his family heritage to. Some of the people in their extended families were not as happy to hear this news. They felt the baby would be deformed or retarded because of the mixed races. Not to mention their age. But they were happier than you could ever imagine. As her time drew near another miracle occurred, she was able t finally walk without any crutches or canes. Granted not for extended periods of time but for short periods. The whole family was rejoicing in this. In early February of the next year on a frost morning she went into labor. He called the doctor ad midwife to come to the house and prepared all he could for their babies arrival. He labor was long ad hard. The pain was unbearable for him to watch but he remained by her side holding her hand, although the convention of that day was for the man to leave the room.

Finally after many hours of labor she was ready and the doctor and nurse crowded next to the bed for the delivery. Within moments she delivered a bawling baby boy. My great-grandfather was so happy in that moment! The midwife grabbed the baby and began to clean him up as the doctor turned back to Olivia and exclaimed, " Oh my it looks like there's another one!"

Two babies! Two? My great-grandfather was stunned but elate as well! Holding Olivia's hand he told he , "Honey you have two little jewels in there, you need to push a little more if you can." She looked up at him with exhausted but happy eyes and said, "I will do my best darling."

Soon the doctor said,

"Ok here it comes, time to push!"

Olivia pushed and the second baby made its appearance, a petite little girl. She was not making a sound and he was concerned. The midwife took the little girl and rubbed her vigorously cleaning her mouth and nose out. Suddenly they heard a small squeak from her and then a loud cry as she took a deep breath and let it go. Smiles went around the room and every one was shaking hands and hugging everyone else. They handed the babies to my great-grandmother and grandfather and as they hugged them together there were tears running down their faces."

Well by this point of Keevans story I had tears running down my face and my imagination was full of pictures of this beautiful love story. He was lost in his story as well and the dreamy far away look on his face was so pure and peaceful.

Suddenly he shook his head and looking away he said, " Well enough of that! Lets tour the rest of the house."

I was reluctant to leave the story there as I was sure there was much more to it than that but I followed him out of the kitchen as he led me up the stairs.

22: Chapter 22 The Big House

Chapter 22

The Big House

As we headed up the stairway the dogs rose and followed. I felt a little more comfortable with them along. Keevan led me around the second floor which was as elegantly decorated and furnished as the first floor. There were four bedrooms and two bathrooms on this level as well as a large loft area for lounging or working. The loft was open to the living spaces below and the windows facing the ocean in the front of the house. I could see the water from there.

At the end of a short hall there was a door which Keevan opened. Behind this door was a hidden stairwell. I looked at Keevan quizzically and asked, " Where does this lead?" "To the master suite and attic." He replied.

" That's unusual ," I said. " usually the master suite is on the main floor. "

"That's true," he said ," and there is one on the main floor that my great-grandfather and great- grandmother used. My grandparents and parents eventually used it too. But I chose to build this little hideaway up here for myself. Once we go up you will understand why. That is if you want to go up?"

Well I was too intrigued to say no, so I started climbing the steps. When we reached the top there was another door. Yip had followed us up but Sheena was sitting at the bottom of the steps. Yip was getting a little antsy in the narrow space but Keevan reached around me and opened the second door.

The sight that greeted my eyes was beyond anything I could have imagined finding at the top of these narrow steps! The door opened into a large room that was filled with light. Directly across the room the entire wall was a huge bank of windows. These windows faced the ocean with an unobstructed view. I could see the rays of sunlight shining off of the water reflecting the sky in an endless stretch. As far as my eye could see to the very horizon of blue water blending into the blue skyline. I stood transfixed by the vast beauty of this view. Here was captured the very essence of the ocean I loved so much. I did not even notice any of the furnishings or fixtures I was so entranced by the ocean view. Keevan stood behind me but I was unaware of his presence. It was as if I had been transported to another dimension.

Finally, after standing there for what must have been several minutes, I said, " Yes, I understand."

Turning to look at Keevan I saw him in a whole new light. There was so much about him I did not know but now I wanted to find out. "Did you design and build this room yourself?" I asked.

"Yes, I did." He stated simply. " I love the water and the view from up here was the best in the house. I spent two years getting all the windows special ordered one by one and shipped here from overseas. I lifted and installed them my self. I wanted to do it just right without marring the original design of the house too much but to capture this view to see every day when I awaken and every night when I go to sleep."

" The proximity and view of the ocean from my house is the reason I decided to buy it, " I told him. " I have always loved the ocean and its majestic beauty has always beckoned me wherever I have lived."

"I should have known," Keevan said, "From the first moment I saw you from that dune you seemed one with the sea. Like a mermaid vision."

Looking at him I murmured, "You weren't spying on me before that from your lofty perch in the kitchen?"

Grinning widely showing his beautifully perfect teeth he chuckled and said, " No, actually I made a point of restraining myself, although the curiosity about my new neighbor was very difficult to hold in. In the interest of being proper, as my daddy taught me, I felt it best to wait till we had officially met. I just did not think it would be in the fashion in which we did."

Laughing I said, " Well, yeah, that's true! I did not even realize I had such a near neighbor! I was too caught up in my own private world and the sheer pleasure of my imagined solitude. I am not sure though that I can ever again have that assurance. Not after seeing that you are much nearer than I ever knew!" I said this all with a smile for I did not want to seem un gracious or unkind.

"Well," he drawled, "Don't you worry ya pretty lil' head about that ma'am, I wont be spendin' my time spyin' on ya or wathchin' ya unawares. I has mannahs ya knows!"

This just served to make me laugh even harder as he exaggerated that southern charm and accent. The harder I laughed the more he drawled. The more he drawled the harder I laughed. Soon we both were laughing uproariously holding our sides as Yip sat there looking at us like we had lost our minds. For the second time that day we shared the cleansing joy of laughter. It was nice.

Finally we gained some form of composure and Keevan drew me over to the windows and said," Look the sun is beginning to set."

The colors shooting across the sky in pinks and yellows and oranges and reds were magnificent to behold. The colors reflecting off of the oceans face were like rosy cheeks on a young girl or the ruddy countenance of a child who had played hard in the afternoon heat. The shooting sparks of orange and yellow were like flames leaping from a campfire. Again I was awe-struck and speechless. we fell into a quiet revere as the sun slowly sank to the horizon meeting the sea with a glorious crown of light and shadow. As the last rays faded from the sky and darkness fell Keevan put his hand around mine and held it gently. No pressure, no demand, just in a gentle way that somehow touched me so deeply I felt like crying.

"Wow , it's getting late!" I exclaimed. "I have been dilly dallying long enough!" Pulling my hand from his I headed for the stairs to escape the feeling swelling up inside of me.

Keevan, somehow sensing my panic, let me go following behind me as I fled down the steps. With the dogs on my heels I raced down to the main floor and to the front door before pulling up short realizing how foolish I must seem and how ungrateful I was being of his hospitality.

Turning around I waited till he had completely descended the stairs and said, " Thank you very much for sharing your story and showing me that beautiful view. I appreciate your hospitality. I really must go but someday, maybe , I can return the favor."

Grabbing the leashes from the table by the front door I beckoned the dogs and opening the door fled through it toward home and safety. For some reason I did not go back toward the beach but straight through the trees and shrubs toward my house. I had no idea how I was going to get from his property to mine over the six-foot fences surrounding my land. Especially with two dogs in tow. All I knew was that I had to get away quickly before I became emotional and stopped thinking and started feeling again. I did not want to feel, it hurt too much. I wanted to keep that hard knot in my heart to protect myself from pain. I had felt that knot loosening today and It frightened me.

23: Chapter 23

Chapter 23

As I raced toward home in the semi darkness the dogs ran after me not knowing just why I was running. I tore through the trees and undergrowth surrounding the edge of Keevans property and abruptly came upon the fence. Searching to the left and right frantically I looked for a gate, even a break in the fence that I could escape through. I was running like a hunted animal or a frightened deer. Gasping for breath I leaned against the fence and closed my eyes. I was confident that he had not followed me. He probably thought I was insane at this point after the way I shot out of his house so suddenly. I did not care I had needed to get away before I made a real fool of myself!

Yip and Sheena were sitting at my feet by this time panting heavily. I could tell Sheena was not happy with me. I picked her up and hugged her to my chest trying to give her comfort as much as I was trying to draw some from her. It was getting quite dark by this time as the sun had finally set and with the darkness the temperature dropped about ten degrees. I did not have my jacket on as I had left it at Keevans house in my haste to escape. I shivered as I hugged Sheena and said,

Slowly making my way along the fence toward the eastern end I felt along the line for a gate. Finally about fifteen yards down the fence I found a separation that felt like a gate. Joyfully I felt all around the edges looking for the latch. I finally found it in the darkness and lifted with all my might thinking it may be a little rusted or tight from sitting so long. To my surprise it lifted easily as if it had been oiled just yesterday.

I did not pause to think about that too much as the darkness and chill air were beginning to get to me. The moon had not risen yet so the darkness was pretty intense. Slipping through the gate with the dogs I latched it back behind me and walked as quickly as possible across the terrain I was a little more familiar with in my property. Finally we gained the path leading to the house and the ambient solar lighting I had installed when I first moved in. Here it was much easier to see where I was going and the uneasiness of the darkness began to slip away. I was not typically afraid of the dark but lately I had been more skittish about everything. Blast that man! Keevan was getting inside my head and I just could not have that! I determined then as I was walking back to my house I would avoid too much contact with him from now on and when I did have contact I would keep it business only and in a well-populated area. Never alone. That gave him too much opportunity to weave his spell with his magical voice irresistible smile and spell binding eyes.

Finally we reached the house and I unlocked the door allowing the dogs to enter first. I stepped in the door and shutting it behind me as I locked it, I flipped on the light switch. The sight that greeted me caused me to step back in utter shock. There standing in my living room was Mark!

"Just what are you doing here? This is my property and you do not have permission to be on it! " I demanded. "You don't have a key, How did you get in?"

I would change those locks sooner than later they are easy to pick even for an amateur like me. I just stopped by to tell you I am moving here.

"Here? As in right here? Or do you mean to this area?" I asked.

" Oh so you do miss me? You want me to move in here? I would be glad to. But I did mean to the local vicinity."
He drawled.

" No, you are quite mistaken, I do not miss you at all. You did not need to come here to tell me you were moving to Florida either. I don't need you ar any man for that fact."

Yip began growling with this, sensing my dissatisfaction with our unannounced visitor. Mark stepped through the door and barely waiting for him to clear the threshold I slammed it shut behind him. Throwing the bolt home and latching the chain I leaned on the door in exasperation and exhaustion.

Why? Why? Why? What did he hope to accomplish by coming here. Could I never get a break? First the encounter with Keevan, then Mark showing up here. What else could happen to make this day any worse? I was relieved that it was almost over! I could go to bed and start over tomorrow! Now not only did I have to avoid Keevan , I would have to be careful to avoid Mark.

Men! They were becoming the bane of my existence.

24: chapter 24

Chapter 24

 

Confusion

 

After a restless and sleepless night I was not looking forward to today. I had no desire to get out of bed or do anything. I had tossed and turned all night with questions running through my mind that had no logical answers. Why did Mark choose now to come here? Was there an ulterior motive for the way he chose to inform me of his impending move? Was he trying to frighten me with his head games again? I had been manipulated so often by him and never realized what was happening but I felt that I was smarter than that now. Was I over reacting to the whole thing? He always said I was dramatic. Oh I cannot let him get inside my head! I cannot give that power to him, or any other person, ever again. Was this why Keevan was so frightening to me? He seemed to have power over me with just a look from his beautiful expressive eyes. I was afraid. Very afraid. What dis Keevan want from me? Was he seeking a friend in a lonely world? Was he seeking a lover? Was he just curious about the new neighbor?  What were his motives for being so kind?

These questions boiled in my head all night long like a bubbling cauldron of oil churning over and over but never being answered. I did not know what the answers were or if I was strong enough or brave enough to find the answers. I feared I would not like the answers to some of the questions burning in my mind.

As I lay there in the early morning pre-dawn light thinking instead of sleeping the silence was suddenly jarred by the ringing of the telephone. Who on earth would be calling me at this hour? What is so all fire important to ring me so early. For a moment I panicked, maybe someone was hurt or dying. Jumping from my bed and knocking Yip to the floor, much to his irritation, I dashed across the room to answer the phone. I had decided to put in a traditional land line here and to only use my cellular phone for when I was away from the house. I had turned off my cellular phone when I came home last night. Grabbing the phone from its cradle without even looking at the caller ID, I answered, “Hello?”

There was silence on the other end of the line for a moment and then they disconnected. Exasperated I checked the caller ID but it showed no caller ID. Slamming the phone down I turned to go back to bed when the phone rang again. I checked the caller ID again and it was blocked again. I picked up the phone then dropped it back on its cradle. Immediately the phone began to ring again. I looked and did the same thing, pick up hang up. This happened four of five times with my response being the same every time. On about the sixth time I did not even bother to look at the caller ID, I was infuriated! Picking up the phone I let loose with a stream of angry words to my unidentified caller telling them just what I thought of people who bug others so early in the morning. In the middle of my tirade I heard a chuckle and His voice saying, “My my my I am sorry to have bothered you so very early ma’am! “

I was mortified! “Oh dear! I am so sorry I thought you were someone else!” I exclaimed. Stuttering I tried to explain myself, but I was sure I made no sense at all in my babbling incoherent speech.

“It’s quite all right,” he said, “Please calm down is someone harassing you? I saw the headlights of a car leaving last night after I saw your lights go on. Was someone there bothering you or threatening you?”

Trying to gather my wits about me I took a deep breath and said,” No, no, that was just my ex making sure I knew he was moving here. Although I don’t know why he felt he had to tell me personally. I will be ok don’t worry about it. “I was reassuring him of things I did not feel but I did not want him to know I was frightened. He was part of that equation somehow. I just had not figured out why or how.

“Well,” he said, “You don’t sound ok but if you insist on saying you are I will let that be. Now the reason I am calling you so early this morning is to remind you that you sort of  promised me yesterday that I could help you again today if I so chose.  I was going to take you up on that offer too as I have a few days off, but the clinic called me with an emergency and they need me to come now to help attend. I will probably be tied up most of the morning and unable to call you so I was letting you know now. I would have texted your cell phone but you never gave me your number. I only had this one because of the records at the vet’s office that you filled out.”

“Oh, okay,” I mumbled, “I guess that’s a good reason to call early. I am sorry I yelled at you but I didn’t get much sleep and then the prank calls just before yours had gotten to me.”

“Well, I am glad you’re not angry with me.” He said. “I really must go now though and get down there to the office. Have a nice day.”

 “Have a nice day too, goodbye.” I said, and hung up the phone.

I was so confused now. Who was calling me and why? Was it Mark? Keevan? Someone else? What was going on? I was so happy with the peacefulness and solitude this place had afforded me but it seemed that in the space of a few days that had all been shattered. Why? Why me? Wasn’t I allowed to have some happiness of my own? True happiness without all the other stuff messing it up? Life was not being fair to me!

25: Chapter 25 Remembering

Chapter 25

 

Remembering

 

Lying there after my strange conversation with Keevan I kept thinking about all the things that had been plaguing me throughout the night. Maybe he was just simply endeavoring to be kind to me. He apparently lived alone, like me, as I saw no evidence of anyone else in his house. Yes there were some feminine touches to the decorating and color schemes but no hairbrushes or lacy linens or slippers anywhere to indicate he had a wife or girlfriend. I could be wrong but why not give the poor guy a chance to be a friend? I knew the reason for my hesitancy and I also knew I needed to get past that.

Many years ago as a very young child, of about six or seven I think, my family and I were living on the west coast of Florida near the town of Bradenton, Florida. We had a little coastal home near the beach and nearly every day we could at the beach. I am sure this is where my original love affair with the ocean began. My parents taught me to swim there in the azure Gulf of Mexico’s waters. I also learned how to snorkel and body surf. Many happy hours were spent there with my mother and father and my brother who was two years my senior. We laughed and played with abandon on those sunny shores. We made friends with the people who lived around us as well as some of the snowbird residents that came to live in the area during the winter months.

The summer of my seventh year things changed. A family moved to the house just up the hill from us. They had several children, all boys. It was kind of disappointing to me as I wanted a girlfriend. I had friends at school but none of them lived close enough for me to spend large amounts of time with them especially in the summer. Now there were playmates for my brother, but none for me. I decided to suck it up and jump into the boy’s fun and be ‘one of them’. So that summer I learned how to surf, how to dig a ditch, anything they threw at me I did so I could prove I was just as good as them. They had pretty much decided to let me be ‘one of the boys’ by summers end and we all hung around for many hours during the day and long into the evening on some nights. Now these boys, like my brother were all older than me, their ages ranged from twelve down to nine years of age. They were like stair steps. All of them were quite handsome for young boys, blonde and tan. Admittedly I was love struck by the oldest boy whose name was James. He was dynamic, a leader, and very mischievous. His mother often said he took after his daddy in that area. All of the ladies who lived around our area though James was such a sweet nice boy.

Late into august our families decided to have a bonfire and cookout on the beach to celebrate summers end and schools beginning. Why they wanted to celebrate school beginning at that time I did not understand, only as I got older did I comprehend why they were so joyous?  James and his family brought the marshmallows and buns, we brought the drinks and meats and we built a large bonfire on the beach.  We happily ran back and forth from the water to the fire playing and jumping through the waves like fish. The adults all sat up on the sand around the fire watching us and talking.

Suddenly there was a loud shout from the shore and looking back I saw my father and James father embracing in a fighting stance. My mother was shouting at them to stop and James mother was screaming “Help! Help!”

Suddenly, James came roaring out of the water like a locomotive gone off of its tracks. He had a large piece of coquina rock in his hand and he was running toward my father and his with pure rage and hatred in his eyes. I stood there in utter shock unable to move watching him run up the sand towards my father with the knowledge that he was going to hit my father with that rock. Everything was moving in slow motion and I felt powerless to stop it.

As James came near to my father and his suddenly from the corner of my vision I saw my mother moving to intercept him. “No!” I screamed with all my might. But that did nothing to stop the inevitable. James crashed into my tiny mother with her beautiful blue eyes looking at him in shock and horror and smashed the rock right into her skull. Then he kept smashing it until my mother was a crumpled heap of blood and bones there on the sand.

Both my father and James father had to literally pull him from on top of my battered mother’s body. The entire time James had been screaming,”I hate you! You liar!’ I had no idea why he was saying and doing such heinous things. My father was bending over my mother sobbing uncontrollably and bedlam was all around us. James mother and brothers were screaming and sobbing my brother was standing over my mother asking daddy, “Why?” and I just stood there tears streaming down my face. I heard a sound like a siren but saw no emergency vehicles coming to help my mother. I then realized the sound was my own voice wailing in agony. I knew my mother was dead and James had killed her.

Our entire lives changed that day. James was tried as a juvenile and sent to a home for delinquent boys. My father sold our beach house and moved us far away from the ocean as we could get. He became a very morose and sullen man and my brother and I were left to care for ourselves mostly. He began to drink heavily and many times he was reprimanded for not showing up to work on time, or for that fact at all, because he was drunk.

We were a mess. I was so lonely and sad. Why did James have to kill my mother? Wasn’t it supposed to be my father he was angry with? I had thought James was the nicest person I had ever met, yet he murdered my mother. How could I ever believe in my own judgment again? That summer scarred my thinking for the rest of my life. My naiveté where Mark was concerned only stood to reinforce my lack of trust in my judgment.

26: Chapter 26 He Did What?

Chapter 26

He Did What?

 

Finally after what seemed like hours lying there tossing in the tumultuous torture of my own thoughts I finally got up. The dogs needed to go out anyway and the sun had been up for some time already. Throwing on my robe and slippers I took them downstairs, grabbed some water, and let them out into the yard. I watched as they romped and played and wished I felt half as much energy as they showed. I knew if I did not get some decent sleep soon I was going to turn into a very unlikeable person. Fixing the dogs food bowls and poring fresh water into their water bowls, I whistled for them to come in. Obediently the came inside and ate their food. I was too tired and upset to think about food. Laying down on the sofa in the living room I turned on the television hoping the sound of the boring morning talk shows would lull me to sleep.

The dogs finished their food and decided to come join me on the couch. Snuggling with them I finally found a little relief from the nagging questions that had plagued me all night. Finally I drifted off to sleep. That blessed land of rest.

As I sunk into that blessed land of slumber I was oblivious to anything going on around me. I fell into a very deep and dreamless sleep. The events of the last few days pushed to the recesses of my mind allowing me to finally rest. I slept so deeply and so soundly that I could have been probably mistaken for dead if anyone were to see me.

Hours later awakening slowly from my dreamless sleep I opened my eyes slowly and peered around me. I was a bit disoriented as I had slept most of the morning away and the sun was fully high in the sky by now. The noon news was on the television and I was vaguely aware that the dogs were still sitting ontop of me. I was not paying attention to what was on the news I just knew that it was on. Sitting up to remove the dogs from their perch atop my stomach, I threw my legs off the couch and leaned forward to grab the remote from the coffee table. I intended to shut the television off as I typically do not like to watch the news. Just as I started to shut it off the caption caught my attention. Man arrested for money laundering .Above there was a photograph of none other than Mark.

I turned the volume up instead of turning the television off. The reporter came on and began to describe the alleged charges against Mark. Along with money laundering there were charges of embezzlement, drugs, and fleeing arrest. I was sitting there with my mouth hanging open. Mark had been in my house less than twenty-four hours ago. He had been a fugitive, running from the law, he could have just taken me as a hostage or demanded for me to hide him. Why didn’t he? That’s what I would have expected from him. Not the casual I don’t care attitude, especially if he was running from the law.

This puzzle was getting more and more complicated as I went along. But, I reminded myself, Mark was no longer a person I should concern myself with. He was even baser than I had thought, and my opinion of him was pretty low before this. I figured this would guarantee him leaving me alone now. A man in jail and probably without the option of bond, since hed already fled one state, would not be bothering me. Sadly this was a big relief to me. I probably should have felt a little bad for him but I didn’t. Just a short time ago I would have though. I may have even tried to bail him out. But now all I could feel was relief that he was not going to be able to complicate my life here in my new home.

The newscaster was droning on about the particulars of how Mark had been apprehended and I really had begun to tune him out.  Again my attention was captured when the announcer said, “ Last night, the suspect was apprehended leaving a local residents home after a neighbor called local police with an alarm about a possible intruder. Police are not sure at this time if the owner of the residence knew the suspect or had been harboring him. Police are investigating.”

This bit of news sent me into panic mode. Were they referring to my property? Did they pick him up as he was leaving here last night? Was it Keevan who had made that call? Had the police been trying to contact me? I had left the phone on silent after my morning harassment so I would not have heard the phone ring if they had called. But don’t they usually knock on your door when they want to question you? To my knowledge no one had knocked on my door, I was sure the dogs would have raised a loud enough alarm to waken me if there had been a knock.  

What if they thought I had been helping Mark? Was Mark only here last night to set me up to look like an accomplice? I had no idea how long he had been here before I arrived back home. He could have done any number of things or left things to implicate me in his crimes. What was I to do? I was crazy with fear that I would be framed and spend the rest of my life in jail with that scum.

 

 

27: chapter 27-end

~~Chapter 27: Chapter 27 One Moment

Chapte27

First Kiss

As February moved into March and spring finally found itself blossoming around me I spent many hours working in my garden. I planted a vegetable garden next to the house like I had planned with tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, watermelons, green beans, corn, peas, summer squash, cantaloupe, honey-dew melons and an assortment of herbs to use in cooking. I had found a reputable fence company to come repair the broken areas of fencing around my property and to put up a sturdy fence around the area for my garden. I wanted to keep the pesky squirrels and raccoons out of my vegetable garden so I also erected a roof of sorts over the garden made of wire mesh and solar greenhouse panels. The air and rain could still get to my vegetables but not those greedy critters.

I had seen very little of Keevan or Mark in the last few weeks and I felt particularly fine with that. It was giving me time to settle my uneasiness and sort out my feelings about both of them. Mark had been locked up for the majority of this time as he was denied bail being classified as a flight risk. I assumed Keevan had been busy working.

Things were quiet and peaceful, much the way I wanted it to be. The weather was getting warmer and I tried to spend a portion of each day by the ocean. It is typically rainier at this time of year in Florida, but I just tried to work my times around the rain. There were some days I just walked in the rain with an umbrella. I cherished my time by the water walking on the soft sand and feeling the breezes blow gently through my hair. I was careful to go in the opposite direction from Keevans house to avoid, hopefully, any chance encounters. I figured if I was not near his property then I had minimal chance of seeing him. I am not sure why I was so anxious to avoid him. He was a nice man, easy to look at, kind, and even if a bit formal at times, he was polite. I really had no reason to distrust him, and in reality it was not him I did not trust but myself. It was my own reactions to him that frightened me the most. It seemed I was under a spell when he was near and I could not allow myself to be vulnerable like that.

One evening in late March, shortly before Easter, I was taking a late evening stroll along the water's edge and dragging my toes through the sand watching the little sand fleas as they stuck their mouths up through the sand to get their plankton meal every time a wave washed up over the sand. I was absorbed in the wonderment of nature and how the Creator of the universe had made everything to work so well together. I was confident in my solitude, so confident that when someone spoke from behind me I actually jumped violently and nearly screamed out loud! Turning I found Keevan standing about five feet away with a strange look on his face.

"Do not move! "He commanded.

I looked at him with a look of absolute disgust and said, "Why would I do anything you tell me to do!" As I was saying this I started to take as step away from him.

"Please! He begged, "Don't do that!" The tone in his voice caused me to reevaluate my actions and I froze in my steps. "There is a Portuguese man o war right next to your left foot. It is very large and poised to sting. Very slowly and carefully step to your right and towards me.

" I froze in my steps and followed his instruction stepping toward him and not away. Looking back I saw the largest man o war that I had ever seen. Looking at Keevan with wide eyes and with my voice shaking I said, Wow! Thank you very much. I would not have wanted to be stung by that thing! I have treated animals stung by man o war and it is a painful experience for them."

Reaching out Keevan grabbed my hand to pull me further from the man o war as the tide was coming in a bit and it was floating closer with each wave that washed over it. His sudden pull on my hand threw me off-balance and I found myself falling against him yet once again. As he caught me in his strong arms I surprisingly found myself leaning into him instead of fighting him. For a moment I put my head against his strong chest and heard the quickening of his pulse and felt the tightening of his strong arms around me.

But only for a moment, then he took me by the shoulders and setting me back from himself he asked, "Are you all right!" Looking into his brown eyes I nodded yes. He easily could have taken advantage of me. I was venerable in that moment and most men would have taken advantage. But not Keevan. He truly was too good to be true. I had a very uncharitable thought just then and I looked away ashamed of my thinking. He touched my chin softly and said," Don't be afraid little one, I won't hurt you." His sincerity and honesty was genuine, something I truly thought I would never see again. Looking up at him I smiled brilliantly and said, "Once again, sir, you are my rescuer. I am in your debt doubly so. Keevan actually had the grace to blush at this statement. Now granted being dark-skinned it was not as easy to discern that he was blushing. But clearly he was. It was a bit endearing to say the least.

Quickly he dropped his hands from my shoulder and turned away. He took a few steps away from me putting distance between us. This was usually my move. For some reason this behavior made me laugh. He turned back to me, clearly frustrated now and said," What! What is so funny?" His annoyance caused me to laugh even more and the more I laughed the more annoyed he became. The more annoyed he became the more I laughed. He was scowling at me in such a way that made me laugh even harder. Suddenly he started laughing too and dove toward me tackling me to the ground in a big bear hug.

As we rolled across the sand laughing and wrestling and getting all wet and dirty the barriers that has been standing between us since our first meeting seemed to fall away. I was transported back to those days when I was 'one of the guys' with my brother and his friends. I used all the tricks they had taught me to wrestle my way to the top as Keevan grappled for the upper hand. I honestly do not think he thought I would be as strong as I was. It was clear to see he was surprised at my strength and agility. He probably had thought he could easily subdue me. Well he was wrong.

Soon I had gained the upper hand on him and straddling his torso I grabbed his hands and pinned him to the ground. Laughing down into that beautiful face I felt a moment if sheer pleasure at my dominance. It was that moment he took full advantage of to reverse our positions. Now he was straddling me holding my hands pinned to the sand as I kicked my legs trying to free myself wiggling like a fish. I must have looked quite comical covered with sand and wet squirming there because he collapsed on top of me in uncontrollable laughter gasping for breath.

The contact of his body across mine was like electricity. The responses arching between us were totally out of our control firing like abandoned wires that had been left to shoot their currents where they may land. Leaning in to me Keevan looked right into my eyes and kissed me. His kiss was so gentle yet so filled with passion. Not demanding yet I returned it. I took and gave back that gentle seeking exploration of passion so long-buried under hurt and mistrust. We held that kiss for a few moments before he pulled away.

I felt so alone when he pulled away from me. I actually shivered. Sitting up and trying to regain some sort of composure he said, "I am sorry. I should not have done that." Blushing now, myself, I did not know what to say. Or for that matter what to think.

Standing quickly Keevan offered me a hand up but was very careful to control how he pulled me up as not to risk physical contact again. As I stood there brushing the sand from my clothing and straightening my sloppy mop of hair he said,

"I never should have come down this way on the beach. It was a big mistake. I will go now and leave you to your walk that I so rudely interrupted. My sincerest apologies for the sand and water on you I hope you will forgive the intrusion."

With these words he strode quickly away back toward his home up the beach. I was befuddled. What just happened? Was I too aggressive for him? Did I offend him by returning his kiss? Was he in fact in another relationship and had I just caused him to break his vows to someone else? Did he think I was too forward now? Oh the things that went through my head they were all questions I could not answer. I couldn't even answer the questions about my own feelings. Why had I kissed him back? Was I more attracted to him than I thought? Was I just lonely? Did I really want to ever have a relationship ever again even if it was purely a physical relationship without the demands of commitment? Could I even have a relationship like that? It went against everything I ever believed about how relationships should be handled. But then again here I was a divorced woman of nearly thirty-five.

All this tumbled around in my mind as I watched him walk away from me across the sand, yet despite all the questions I could not help but think to myself what a magnificent body he has and to lick my lips savoring his kiss that still lingered there.

Chapter 28: Chapter 28 Company

Chapter 28

Company

The next morning as I was getting dressed and taking care of my morning routine I decided to take a little time and sort through the mail I had been letting pile up during the last week or so. I paid all of my bills on line and most of what I received was typically junk mail.

As the dogs romped in the yard I picked up the stack from atop the washer where I had been tossing it every day and began to glance at what was there. I threw away advertisements, credit card offers, welcome to the neighborhood advertisements, and other sundry useless pieces of mail. Why I did not just toss them as soon as they came instead of letting them pile up, I guess I would say laziness. I was nearly through the pile when an official looking envelope caught my eye. How did I miss that when it came? It was from the local county courts. With an exasperating sigh I tore the envelope open thinking to myself, it's probably a jury duty summons. Jury duty meant I would have to go down to the courthouse and get all dressed up and be around a bunch of people I had no desire to be around. And God forbid I get chosen for a jury. I was thinking even before I read the letter of ways to get myself excused because of hardship. As I opened the letter and began to read though my thoughts all went out the door. This was not as jury summons at all. It was a subpoena to appear before the court in Marks case. Now why had this come in the mail? Didn't they usually hand deliver this kind of thing? Worse yet it was from his defense attorney wanting me to testify on his behalf. This was ridiculous! I could not vouch for him. I knew him to be a liar and a cheat. He had walked out on our marriage, our business, and our lives without a second thought. I at best would be a hostile witness. To make matters worse the date of response was tomorrows date. What was I to do?

My attention had been so focused on this letter that I had forgotten about the dogs momentarily but the incessant barking from Yip suddenly drew my attention. Sometimes he would bark at squirrels and other animals but not like this. I could not see him from the laundry room door so I stepped outside to see what was causing him to bark like that. Looking around the yard toward where I heard his barking coming from I stopped short. There standing on the other side of the fence from me were three men. Two were dressed very noticeably in police uniforms and the third was in a suit. He looked very much like a lawyer.

I walked toward them slowly, calling for Yip to quiet down. He obediently heeled and stopped barking. "How may I help you gentleman?" I asked. "Did you knock at the front door? If so I apologize for not hearing you."

One of the officers who was taller and leaner than his partner spoke up and said," No, ma'am we saw the dogs back here so we just came straight around. Sorry if we startled you." His partner, who was a bit shorter and broader filling out his uniform shirt more fully than his partner did nodded his head.

The other man, who was easily over six feet tall and very well built with broad shoulders and a deep tan spoke up, "Hello, I am Mr. Nance, the lawyer representing Mark Josephine your former husband and partner. " He stuck his hand over the fence toward me offering me a handshake. I casually shook his hand wishing I could wash the slimy feel away as soon as he withdrew his hand. I was not sure why the police had felt it was necessary to accompany this man onto my property but I asked them all to come around to the front and we could talk on the porch out there. I really did not wish to invite them into my house.

Bringing the dogs in to the house from the rear I walked through the house to the front door and stepped out onto my front porch. My porch was an inviting place to sit and at this time of the day rather comfortable with the ocean breezes blowing and the shade afforded from the palms and Florida live oaks in the front yard. The officers and Mr. Nance ascended the steps to my porch and I gestured for them to take a seat at the patio table I had there. Mr. Nance took the chair at the head of the table while the tall officer sat to his right. The shorter officer, who I could see by his name badge was Byrd stayed on the steps as if her were setting up guard over our meeting.

"What is the meaning of all this? " I asked, looking directly at Mr. Nance. Their behavior was making me very nervous and I did not like the way things were going. "Please, ma'am, sit down. I just need to ask you a few questions." Mr. Nance said.

"You could not have called me on the telephone, or at least warned me you were coming here? And why do you need a police escort? I am not a dangerous person. Am I in danger? Are you in danger?" I demanded. With each question my voice seemed to rise an octave and get louder.

"Calm down now, miss." The officer named Byrd commanded, as he put his hand on my arm and pressed me into a chair. "No one is going to hurt you, we are just taking precautions here."

"Precautions? Why?" I asked

"Well, if you will sit down and allow me I will explain." Mr. Nance said.

I finally sat at the opposite end of the table from Mr. Nance and folding my hands on top of the table I said, "I still do not understand why you are here, but ok, I will listen. You had better have a good explanation for all this.

" The tall office, whose name I could now see was Findlay, said," We had to do this like this, ma'am, as there have been threats made on Mr. Nance in his representation of your ex-husband."

"I am all ears." I said, waiting for Mr. Nance to begin. "If it would be safer in your opinion, Officer, we can go inside. I will just need to secure the dogs first.

" "That would be a tad more comforting, if we may Mrs. Josephine." Said Officer Byrd.

"Ok," I said, rising from my chair and heading to the front door, "Give me a moment please?" Going in the door I quickly secured the dogs and then ushered the three men into the front room, offering them a seat on the sofa while I took the Queen Anne chair for myself. They all sat down in a row on the sofa but then Officer Byrd hopped back to his feet and wandered over to the window peering out across the yard I suppose looking to see if anyone was watching us.

"All right," Mr. Nance said, "Now we can get started with the business at hand."

Chapter 29: Chapter 29 Danger

Chapter 29

Danger

Sitting there waiting for Mr. Nance to begin I had a sudden chilling premonition that I was not going to like what I was getting ready to hear at all. Bracing myself for the very worst I said, "Well what is this all about?"

"Let me begin by saying, Mrs. Josephine," he said, "I apologize for all the drama and I assure you once we finish here you will understand the reason for caution..." "Then let's get on with it. " I said testily. "And please, call me Lilly."

"All right, Lilly, Mr. Nance said, "You are aware that Mr. Josephine has been accused of embezzlement, theft, fraud and several other crimes?"

"Yes, I am very aware of the charges leveled against Mark." I said through clenched teeth.

"Well, ma'am, he has stated in his affidavit before the grand jury that he was forced to do these things by certain Mob members who have been under investigation for quite some time by local and federal authorities. He has been asked to turn states evidence in exchange for a lighter sentence. That is why we are here. "Mr. Nance said.

"You mean to tell me that he has been working for the mob?" I asked. "You actually believe he was coerced? He is a liar and a cheat, I know that by personal experience."

"No, ma'am, I don't expect you to think any different after your previous experience with him," He said, "But we have the chance here to capture a much bigger nuisance and criminal. If we can get Mark to turn states evidence then, yes, he will get a lighter sentence but he will still serve time and he will not be able to bother you either."

"I do not see why he should get a lighter sentence!" I exclaimed. "He cheated many people out of their hard earned money as well as hurting many families with his scams. He is guilty and he should pay!"

"He will be tried for his crimes, but we need him to get these mob members. In order to do that we have to make an exchange." Mr. Nance said.

"So, what is it what you want me to do? How does this affect me?" I asked

"This is what we need from you, Mrs. Josephine; "he said. "We need you to go into protective custody. The mob has put out a contract on you to keep Mark silent. They will kill you if he turns states evidence. He also is going into protective custody until the trial."

"What?" I demanded. "You want me to disappear? For that slimy lout? You are telling me there is a contract on my life because of his lying, cheating ways? I have a life, a home, and my dogs! I don't want to leave this because of him!" By this time I was screeching at the top of my lungs and panting wildly like a lunatic. By this time both Officer Byrd and Officer Findley were moving toward me as if I was a criminal and they needed to protect Mr. Nance from me. I collapsed back into my chair in utter disbelief and horror.

My face must have been very readable at that point because Mr. Nance said, "I know you are angry and probably want to kill me right now Lilly, but this is a very serious situation and we have your safety to consider. We cannot force you to go into hiding, but I will warn you that it will be very difficult to protect you otherwise. We can give twenty-four hour protection from our local forces and FBI agents, but this is the mob we are dealing with and you are endangering their lives if you choose to do things that way.

" I looked at Mr. Nance with all the disdain I could muster at this point and said," Is that not their job? You are endangering my life by seeking to get your big fish with Marks testimony. He is your sacrificial lamb isn't he?"

Officer Findlay spoke up about this time and said, "Mrs. Josephine we can understand you being upset at this turn of events, and we would not have come here but for the fact that a contract was put out on your life by the mob and with you living here in a secluded area we felt it was in your best interest to offer you protection. The best protection is a safe house but if you wish to stay here then we will give to the best of our abilities. You will still be affected as your life will become a bit more restrictive with regards to coming and going freely.

" I looked from Officer Findlay to Officer Byrd to Mr. Nance, all of their faces told me he same thing; I had to make a choice. Did I wish to be confined to a safe house, a strange place I did not know, or to be confined to my house, which I did know? "If I stay here will I still be able to work in my yard and take walks on the beach?" I asked. "Will I be able to walk my dogs or let them romp in the yard like they do every day?"

"If you remain here we would do all we can to make sure the property is safe and secure ma'am," Officer Byrd said. "But some activities will have to be curtailed, and walking on the beach would be one of them. We cannot protect you as well in a wide open space like that. The dogs can still play in the yard and as long as you stay close to the house you will be relatively safe. This would only be for a short time until the trial in May.

" Only a short time? Till May? That would be an eternity to me! To not be able to walk along the shore and feel the sand between my toes and the waters soft tickle on my feet would be like putting me into a box with no light or food. I needed those times they were the very essence of my soul's peace. But if I refused I could die at the hands of some contracted mercenary. What to do? I really had no choice. Once again Mark was turning my life upside down and I was powerless to do anything about it. I had worked so hard to cut him out, to eradicate the dependence and helplessness he invoked in me and now here I was stuck in his miry mess again. With resignation and regret and not a little hatred for Mark, I said, " Ok. I will stay here and restrict myself. "With my shoulders slumped I sank further into my chair and putting my face into my hands, wept.

Chapter 30: Chapter 30 Prisoner

Chapter 30

Prisoner

Once Mr. Nance and Officer Byrd left the house Office Findlay said, " Ma'am I will be staying closest to the house tonight to protect you. Every night there will be an officer inside the house to ward off any one that may sneak past the perimeter guard we set up. If you are uncomfortable with any one if the officers assigned to your person let us know and we will rearrange things."

I nodded my assent without saying a word and headed upstairs to my room.

"Wait!" He called after me. "I need to check the rooms up there before you go up. Pushing past me in the stairway he headed up to the second floor With his gun drawn.

Great now I couldn't even move about inside my home without someone getting in the way. When was this awful nightmare going to end. This could not be real. I had to be dreaming. Standing there in the steps in stunned silence I heard Officer Findlay sweeping the rooms upstairs for any intruders. As he completes his rounds and came to the landing at the top of the stairs I knew this was as real as the nose on my face.

"All is clear up here ma'am you can go on up now I will not disturb you the rest of the night."

I was so exhausted I had headed upstairs forgetting about Sheena and Yip locked away in the utility garage. I turned back around and headed back down to get them. Officer Findlay jogged down the steps to catch up with me.

"What are you doing? I said it's safe to go up. " he said.

"I forgot the dogs, I'm sorry. " I said.

" Oh , ok . " He said "I'll go with you to be sure. They will need to get used to other people on the house anyway "

"They are not vicious dogs although I am sure if I commanded them to they would protect me, normally they are docile and very obedient ." I said.

Opening the utility door I found them both lying very quietly on their bed and waiting patiently. Nodding my head for them to come they rose, giving he officer a sideways glance and followed me out and up the stairs. I am sure Officer Findlay was standing there shaking his head but I really did not have the energy to turn and look. I went to my room and collapsed on the bed in total despair and exhaustion. I did Not even feel like taking a shower or even changing my clothes. It had been a very long day and it was only mid afternoon. I was a prisoner in my house. I felt so alone and trapped and all I wanted to do was run down those stairs and out that door and just keep running till I couldn't run any more.

As I lay there feeling more and more trapped and my heart began to race, my head began to pound i pounded on the bed in frustration and anger with tears running down my face I asked myself ,"Why? Why? Why?" Over and over I asked this question but no answer came to me. Finally I fell asleep from sheer exhaustion. Sprawled across the covers with my fists balled up and my face in the comforter.

I awoke some time later and it was clear the sun had already set. I could not see the clock to tell the time but I was sure it was well past dinner as the dogs were sitting there looking at me hungrily and my stomach was growling. I pulled myself up to a sitting position And reached for my phone that was still in my pocket. Pressing the button to light the screen I saw it was well after eight o'clock in the evening and that I had missed several calls.

To be courteous when my visitors arrived I had turned the phone to silent and had forgotten in my distressed mental state to turn it back on. I had several calls from a number I did not recognize but felt sure it was either the police or Mr. Nance. I also had a call from the vets office as well. There were three calls from the local grocery that delivered my groceries for me and I recalled I was supposed to call on my order today but had forgotten. I would have to do that tomorrow as it was too late to get anything delivered today any way. I hoped they would allow them to keep delivering my groceries here. I also saw a call from Sharpes Prison. That would be Mark and I had no desire at that time to talk to him. He had left a message as well which I deleted without listening to it. The vet had left a message as well they wanted me to call and set up appointments for the dogs vaccination as soon as I could. Well that won't be happening for a while I thought to myself. But I'll call them tomorrow too. There was a message from the unknown number and I was ready to just erase it thinking it was probably a telemarketer or something like that when instead I pushed the play button.

"Hi there," came the sexiest southern voice I'd ever heard. "This is Keevan and I am calling to make sure you are all right. I saw several police vehicles near your gate today and was concerned. Please if you can give me a call. Hope all is well. Bye."

For some reason this message touched me in a strange way and I began to weep again. Here was a nice man who I was just getting to know but had been so afraid of and now it was him who should be afraid of me. I was danger with a capital D. Hanging around me might get him killed. I was not sure if it was even safe to call him back. I was no longer sure of anything.

Chapter 31: Chapter 31 A New Way of Life

Chapter 31

A New Way of Life

Wandering downstairs, I immediately saw that no one was inside the living area or kitchen and breathed a sigh of relief. I honestly had no desire to see any one at that point and I knew I must look like a zombie. First I filled the dogs bowls with fresh food and water then grabbed a water bottle for myself.

Rummaging through the pantry I found a box of crackers and the peanut. Butter and grabbing a knife and plate I headed to the back room to watch some television. I set all my preparation supplies on the table and switched on the television. The first thing that came up was an infomercial and rolling my eyes I quickly started checking the guide for something to watch. I usually enjoyed DIY programs and some if the medical shows that were about true occurrences but that night I wanted something to make me laugh. I

Desperately needed to relax. Not necessarily sleep just relax. Skimming through the channels I came across A Station airing reruns of some old sitcoms like The Cosby Show, Full House, Fresh Prince of Bel Aire, and Family Matters. I decided to park there for a while as there did not seem to be any thing else that remotely interested me.

I sat there while Bill Cosby solved all his families squabbles and troubles in thirty minutes and ate my peanut butter crackers. I wanted something to make me laugh but I could not seem to even focus long enough on the show to do that much. My mind was rumbling with questions to which I had no answers.

As I sat there eating , thinking, worrying I heard a knock on the front door and at the same time saw a shadow at the sliders in the back. My heart leapt into my throat ! Who would be sneaking around he back if the house? I had lights blazing all over the place! I was a sitting duck! Quickly I jumped up and flipped the lights off in the room. My nocturnal visitor decided to press his nose against the glass at this point and with a sigh of relief I realize it was Officer Findlay. So if he was there at the rear door then who was knocking at the front door? Running over to the slider I threw the bolt and opened the door. Officer Findlay looked ready to have a heart attack!

"Don't open any doors like that miss it's very dangerous!" He exclaimed.

"There is someone at the front door! " I explained. "What do I do? "

"Wait , I will go around and see if it would be someone you know and trust.

As we were talking the pounding on the from door was becoming more persistent. Putting a finger to his lips Officer Findlay began to quietly creep around the house to try to catch my unannounced guest by surprise.

I was holding my breath as scenarios raced through my head like wild antelope that have seen a lion. Would he have his gun drawn? Would he shoot the person at the front door if they threatened my safety? Would the person at the door have a gun and use it on the officer? What if there was more than one person? My mind spun like a carousel out of control.

As suddenly as the knocking had begun on the front door, it stopped. I held my breath again as I stood there in the dark waiting for the next sound. I could not hear a thing. What was going on? Why was it so eerily quiet? I decided to tiptoe toward the front foyer to see if I could hear anything. The lights were already off in the front of the house so I was not worried about anyone being able to see me. Yip rose from the floor and followed giving me a bit of comfort and strength as I felt he would protect me too. I neared the front door I heard low voices on the threshold outside. It sounded like whoever it was out there was arguing with Officer Findlay and I could hear Officer Findlay's voice in a little louder whisper trying to convince whoever it was that it was ok.

My mind whirled. Who was he talking to? Was this person on my side or was Office Findlay conspiring with the bad guys to end my life? I had thought I reached the bottom of the trust barrel when Mark walked out of my life but apparently I was wrong. I was not even able to trust the one who was to protect me now without questioning his integrity.

Sliding down the wall next to the door, I put my head on my knees in total misery. The conversation outside stopped abruptly. I heard Officer Findlay say, " Did you hear that? Someone is near."

The other voice outside was silent so I assumed they nodded. I listened as they both crouched against the door right on the other side of where I was sitting. I did not have the strength to move. if they ended up having a gunfight and I was to be shot I thought I would be better off than living like this for even one more day. The saddest part was no one would probably even care. I was estranged from everyone who I had ever loved or cared about and it was all because of Mark. Well not all , but most of it was his fault.

Sitting there by the door I became aware that the handle was turning very slowly. Wasn't the door locked? Had the intruder slit their throats silently as a ninja and was now trying to enter the door? For all I knew they knew how to pick a lock silently too. Jumping up from my place on the floor I grabbed the handle from my side of the door and held on with both hands. What I hoped to accomplish by doing that I do not know but I was acting out of sheer panicked impulses. The pressure from the other side of the door increased and I held tighter. I was breathing as quietly as I could at that moment but to my ears it sounded like a freight train and I was sure the person on the other side of the door could hear my ragged breaths also.

All of the sudden the knob went slack, I heard a laugh from the other side of the door. It sounded like Officer Findlay! Turning the handle myself, I yanked the door open, and flipped on the porch light. What happened next was right out of a comedy skit! Both men dove away from the light into the shrubbery surrounding the front porch and Officer Findlay's voice boomed out, "Shut that light off!"

I snapped the light off but left the door open and on hands and knees they scrambled through the door kicking it shut behind them. Standing there in befuddlement I looked at the two men crawling across my floor. Suddenly Officer Findlay grabbed my leg and pulled me to the floor. Less than a second later shots whizzed through the front window shattering the glass and embedding into the wall just past where I had stood. Both men immediately shielded me with their bodies. I had no idea who the second man was as it was pitch black and he had dived for cover before I saw his face.

I heard a cars tires squealing and Officer Findlay's shoulder radio squawked with some police codes I did not understand. I did understand that there was a chase going on outside though. Apparently there had been other officers outside as well and when the intruder had fired shots they had begun to pursue them. When the intruder jumped in their car the other officers followed.

Officer Findlay slowly raised his head from our human pile on the floor and said to the other man, "You stay here with her I am going to sweep the perimeter."

I was beginning to feel stifled under this stranger although he had protected me. I asked Officer Findlay, "Can I get up, please?"

"No you must stay there until I return." He commanded. He then walked out the door locking it behind him.

Lying there on the floor with a strangers breath in my ear and body atop mine was very disturbing. As I lay there wishing this would end I became aware that there seemed to be something familiar about this man. I could not put my finger on what it was exactly but it was as if I had felt and smelled him before. I was wracking my brain, trying to remember where.

"Please, don't be afraid, Lilly, I wont hurt you, ever." He whispered in my ear.

Chapter 32: Chapter 32 Revelations

Chapter 32

Revelations

That voice! I knew the lilt and tremor of it like I knew my own. I had only heard it a few times but it was embedded in my mind and I was not mistaken, I knew. This man lying atop of me, protecting me, the one who had talked with the officer outside of my front door, was none other than Keevan!

Stunned to silence by this knowledge I laid there in shock.

He gently touched my face and pushed my hair away from my eyes as he turned me into my side and lay next to me on the floor with his arm over top of my body.

" I know this is a very shocking time for you Lilly and if you will give me a chance I will explain. I have a very good explanation."

I wanted to jump up and run but the situation and the proximity of his body to mine had me rooted to the spot. Looking into his face just inches from mine I could vaguely make out his features . The sincere concern in his face kept me silent. I could feel his breath on my face in gentle puffs as he waited for me to respond.

"Lilly? Are you all right?"

"Yes," I whispered quietly.

He did not speak for a few moments as we lay there listening for sounds outside. I was not sure I was ready to hear his explanation yet anyway. My body was betraying me and responding to him in a way I had fought since the moment we met. He stirred feelings in me that I did not want to even address now or ever. The vibrations flowing between us were so electric and powerful I wondered if it illuminated our bodies.

From the back of the house we heard the Slider opening. Keevans body tensed as he pulled me closer and we both held our breath. Officer Findlay called out , "All clear! Come on back here it's safer with the window out up there."

Keevan jumped up quickly and grabbing my hands helped me from the floor. My hip was beginning to throb from being yanked to the floor earlier but other than that I seemed to be none the worse for my experience.

Pulling me with him to the back room, Keevan moved quickly through the house.

When we got to th back room he gently pushed me down into the recliner and immediately went over to the officers.

"What happened out there?" he demanded. "Did you capture them?"

Officer Findlay looked at me and said," Ma'am you are one very lucky woman. If Agent Wilson here had not chosen to show up unannounced as he did we would have been caught unprepared for your other midnight visitor."

as he said this he gestured towards Keevan.

"Agent Wilson?" I asked. Although I was fairly certain the person he was referring to was Keevan.

Turning my face towards Keevan I looked at him with piercing intensity and a deep sense of dread.

"Yes, Lilly," Keeven said softly yet firmly,"Agent Wilson. That's me."

The look on his face was one of utter resignation and defeat and it struck a chord in me that despite my wish to be very angry and hurt all I wanted to do was console

Officer Findlay stood there looking from me to Keevan very puzzledly. "You did not know?" He asked me. "I had assumed you had been appraised of the position of Agent Wilson before this time seeing as you are neighbors."

"No, Officer, I chose to keep my identity as a federal agent to myself. I am also working and internship at the veterinary office down in Indiatlantic and aI let that information suffice when we met in reference to my work. I had no idea this situation would ever arise and there would be a need for my services in this situation."

I was staring at Keevan as he recited this information to Officer Findlay. This must have been why he had avoided me since that day on the beach when we had kissed. He must have known then that he was now involved in this mess with the mobsters chasing Mark. I wondered if this was why he had pushed me away so abruptly and said what he had said. Keevan was staring at the floor almost as if he were ashamed and all I wanted him to do was look up at me so I could see if the truth was there in his eyes. Slowly he raised his eyes from the floor as if he could feel my eyes piercing through his skull. When his eyes met mine, as I expected, I could see the truth in those dark depths. He was being totally honest with me and he had kept his secrets for my protection. How could I be angry with him? I think in that moment I fell in love with him. I would deny it for a very long time after that, but that moment I began to trust again for the first time in a very long time. It would be a step by step process for me to reach fully trusting anyone but this was the first step. Keevan must have seen that spark in my eyes as well for immediately I saw hope flare in his eyes and he stepped toward me.

I have no idea what was about to happen as at that precise moment Officer Findlays radio chose to squawk loudly officer down assistance needed on the north perimeter call and ambulance. The vboice spat out some codes and jargon I did not understand and immediately everyone in the room started moving quickly toward the doors.

Everyone that is, except me. I sat there in stunned silence, too weak to move. As Keevan headed out the door he glanced back at me and said, " Lilly, I will make this up to you, I promise." With that he disappeared into the darkness beyond the door. Officer Findlay and I were the only ones left in the room. He secured the door behind him and turning off most of the lights he said," You need to try to go upstairs and get some sleep. We will be here the rest of the night and extra officers will be added as well."

"How can I sleep knowing someone has been injured or killed on my property?" I asked him.

"You must try ma'am." He said

"I think, maybe, you were right, sir, I need to go to a safe house where it will be harder for them to find me. I will hate leaving my home and my garden but I cannot have the lives of so many on my conscience." I said.

"Ma'am, that is probably the most sensible thing you have said all day. I will notify the officers and you go upstairs and collect some things for yourself and the dogs. I will arrange transport for you all while you do that." He said.

Rising from the chair I headed up stairs, with Sheena and Yip trailing me closely, to pack a suitcase.

My heart was very heavy with the knowledge of what had and might have happened because I chose to be stubborn. In one short day I had almost been shot an officer had been wounded or killed, I didn't know which as of yet, and Keevans life had been endangered along with all the other officers that were protecting me and my property. Guilt is not a pleasant burden to carry and I prayed the officer was not dead. I would go to the safe house until the trial and I would testify about Marks shady dealings to the best of my ability in hopes that he as well as his mobster friends would spend many long years behind bars for their crimes.

Chapter 33: Chapter 33 Into Hiding

Chapter 33

Into Hiding

Throwing some clothes and toiletries into a suitcase I kept asking myself, Why me? What did I do to deserve this?

Yip began pacing nervously through the rooms upstairs while Sheena sat on the bed looking at me with a very puzzled expression. My poor babies must be wondering if I was going to be taking them away like their previous owner had. I sat down on the bed next to Sheena and rubbing her soft fur I said, "Don't you worry little girl. I am taking you with me. I wont leave you or Mr. Yip over there. Wherever I go you will go. We have to go to another place for just a little while so we can be safe. But don't you worry we will be together." Sheena wagged her tail and licked my hand as Yip came back into the room and jumped up ont he bed with us snuggling his head under my arm for som rubbings too.

Once I had finished packing my bags and making sure all the doors and windows upstairs were secure, I called the dogs and headed down the stairs. I could hear voices in the kitchen and it sounded like Officer Findlay and Keevan. I hesitated as I was descending, straining to hear what they were discussing. They were speaking very quietly, much in the same manner and tone they had on the front porch earlier. I descended a few more steps to see if I could hear them without being detected. I knew you could see the last few steps from certain points in the kitchen so once I reached that point they would probably see me. I stopped one step above the spot where I knew they would see me and listened.

"I know it's not the usual procedure sir." I heard Keevan say. "I am requesting that you overlook procedure this one time for me."

"You know it is highly irregular to allow this, but if my captain Okays it then you can escort Mrs. Josephine to the safe house. You are subjecting yourself to more danger this way as they know you are her neighbor and it is my belief that if you know where she is housed you will be leaving yourself open to becoming a tool for the mob." The officer said.

"I realize that and it is a risk I am willing to take. It is very important to me that I make sure she gets to that safe house in one piece. The only way I can do that is to go with her myself." Keevan stated.

I was touched by his chivalry but I could not allow this to happen. He had already been put into enough danger by my stubbornness. Stepping down the remaining steps I entered the kitchen ready to tell him in no uncertain terms he would not go with me. As I had guessed all conversation ceased as soon as my foot hit that fourth step up where they could see and hear me. To my surprise though there were more people in the kitchen than Keevan and Officer Findlay... There were four more officers and two men and a woman dressed like federal agents in suits with suspicious bulges under their jackets. I looked from face to face in confusion wondering why so many people were in my kitchen.

"Lilly, these are the officers that were apprehending the intruder along with Agent Michaels and Agent Small." Keevan said as he stepped closer to me and gestured towards the group of people standing there. "Agent small and I will be escorting you to the safe house and once you arrive she will stay with you at all times. Agent Michaels and I will alternate shifts with each other giving her time to rest."

While he said this he was looking very sternly at the officer standing next to Officer Findlay, as if he was daring him to disagree with the plan. The man nodded his head very slightly and then turning to Officer Findlay said, "Its ok."

I was not sure what he meant by that but in my opinion it was not fine for Keevan to put himself in danger for me. I felt very protective of him for some reason and I was going to tell him so when he spoke up again saying," Thank you and Lilly I don't want you to worry as to my safety. I have been trained to protect people in your situation and also to protect myself. I will not be deterred and the risks are ones I am willing to take to insure your safety."

I started to protest but rather feebly and I just let my words taper off and resigned myself to not even being able to decide who I wanted to protect. My life was out of my control it seemed and I would be at the mercy of federal agents and police for at least another month while we awaited the trial. That time frame could become longer if anything went wrong or they got ahold of Mark or even if they found me. Life as I had known it was changing, again, and I had no control. I hated that fact the most. It seemed no matter what path I took or how hard I tried my life was irrevocably changed by circumstances out of my ability to control when it came to mark. I wished I had never seen him.

Chapter 34: Chapter 34 Safe House

Chapter 34

Safe House

Silently we all filed out of the kitchen into the garage where surprisingly there was an armored car waiting. When and how they had gotten that into my garage without my knowledge I did not know. I was whisked quickly into the rear of the vehicle with Keevan on one side and Agent Small on the other. Agent Michaels to the wheel and the captain took the passenger side in the front.

The officers stepped to the garage door with their guns drawn in a crouched position as the door was raised. Sweeping the areas in front of the garage they gave the all clear for us to pull out of the garage. Agent Michaels slowly eased into the night with the lights off. The engine purred like a cat and there was very little to indicate we were leaving the house. They had disconnected the lights in the garage so the house remained lit only in the back room. The rest was dark as pitch. I felt like something right out of a movie. It was very strange to me sneaking away from the house like this but I knew it was necessary to be as careful as possible that no one saw us leaving and followed us.

Easing the car down the drive and into the main road Agent Michaels began to accelerate while leaving the cars light off. I was a bit frightened that we would crash as the road was very difficult to see. Keevan reached over and took my hand in his. I looked at him and as our eyes met it was as if I could read his thoughts in his eyes. He was telling me it would be ok. I searched for doubt or fear n his gaze but only saw confidence and certainty that he was right. I squeezed his hand and relaxed a little. I could not fully relax until we reached the safe house but his confidence was a comfort.

He turned his attention to the road outside the car looking left and right, peering out into the darkness for any sign that someone was watching us leave my house. When we got about a mile from the house Agent Michaels turned on the headlights and increased his speed a little more. We traveled for some time in relative silence with all three agents and the officer all continuously checking and double checking for anything that would seem suspicious.

I was glad for the quiet in the car. It gave me time to think through all the things that happened tonight. In the short space of twenty-four hours my entire life had been turned upside down and I needed to get my bearings. Between Marks shenanigans and the revelations of Keevans true identity I had many things to sort out. It would seem I was accepting of the things I had found out tonight about Keevan. He was an enigmatic and mysterious man. There was much I still did not know about him but I was finding myself wanting to know. I was becoming very strongly attracted to him. Oh who was I kidding I had been strongly attracted to him from the moment we met on the beech that day. I was just willing to admit it now and maybe, just maybe, once this mess was done pursue getting to know him better.

We wound our way through what seemed to be every back road between my house and Sebastian inlet I realized the Agents were making sure there was not a tail following us. It seemed like hours we drove around and around, back and forth on our own trail. I was confused myself as to our exact location. The last sign I had seen, and that was quite some time ago said Sebastian. We could be all the way to West Palm for all I knew.

Finally Agent Michaels turned off the highway onto a gravel road that ran directly into the woods. We ground down the steep incline sliding at one point on the loose gravel and barely escaping the ditch. Agent Michaels slowed a little after that and we continued until the gravel turned to dirt. The dirt road was riddled with ruts and potholes so by this point our pace was reduced to a mere crawl. Everyone in the car was on high alert as we were sitting ducks at this speed.

Finally I saw the dim shape of a house up ahead. It looked like a small farmhouse with a fireplace and a front porch. Not that I would probably have the liberty of using it very much during my stay here. There were trees surrounding the house on all four sides close enough to give shade but far enough not to crowd the house. The road lead around to the rear of the house to a small attached garage. Agent Michaels hit a button on his visor and the door to the garage began to open. From the time we had left the highway he had doused the headlights again so when the garage closed behind us we were enveloped in total darkness.

Agent Michaels, the Captain, and Agent Small opened their doors to exit. Keevan held onto my hand and said, "we will wait here until they sweep the area."

Nodding my head I sat back while the others went about their business of securing the safe house.

"Why are you willing to put yourself in so much danger for me?" I asked Keevan. "You hardly know me, and I have not been the nicest person to you in the encounters we have had."

Looking into his eyes I waited for his answer.

"Lilly," he began, "I can explain."

But before he could finish even that the lights came on in the garage and Agent Small was pulling the door to the car open. She leaned over and said," All clear sir you can come in now."

"Thank you Agent Small." Keevan replied.

We slid from the car and headed into the house.

Upon entering the house I was quite pleased with what I saw. It was similar in décor to my home. very cozy and countrified without being cliché'. The kitchen was spacious bright. The appliances were gleaming white and the countertops were a rustic brown marble. The solid oak cabinetry was hand tooled and gleamed with a fresh coat of polish. Whoever cleaned here was attentive to the details. The tongue and groove oak floor shone with a fresh coat of polish as well. I could not help but smile at the similarities to my kitchen. Even the curtains over the window were a cheery yellow like mine. There was an oak table in the corner with a vase of sunflowers in the middle and sunflower place mats in front of the four chairs around the table.

Taking my arm Keevan led me past the living room to a door on the other side of the dining room. He opened the door and said," This will be you room while you are here. You are free to go anywhere in the house you wish, but you must not go outside without Agent Small, Agent Michael's or me. If you will make a list of things you need and any food you would like I will pick it up and bring it with me tomorrow." Looking at his watch he said, "Well more like today as we are well past midnight already.' Looking at me he asked, "Do you have any questions?"

I had a thousand questions I wanted to ask but the only one I did ask was, "What about the dogs?"

"They may go out three times a day and one of the agents here will keep an eye on them while they are out. There is a small fenced area to the rear behind the garage so it is protected from three sides from any one seeing into the yard. The fourth side will be guarded by the officers placed strategically around the property. The barn has been converted into a makeshift bunk house and they will be shift sleeping there."

"ok," I said reluctantly. Motioning for the dogs to follow me I entered the bed room and set my things down on the king size bed that took up most of the room. It was a beautiful bed with a large mahogany headboard and foot board. Both looked to have been hand hewn and polished to perfection. There was a small dresser to the left of the bed and a nightstand to the right. The mirror over the dresser was of the same color and look as the mahogany on the bed. I presumed they had been made by the same craftsman and were part of a set. The dresser and nightstand were made of a dark oak so I was pretty sure the set, if it existed, was not all in this room. There was a door in the wall to the right of bed as well. I hoped this led to a private bath. I walked around the bed and opened the door. I was nor disappointed. The bathroom was small but it was private. It was painted a soft beige with burgundy accents in the shower curtain, rugs and accessories. There was a small window above the tub but upon closer investigation I could tell it was covered with some sort of light blocking materials, possible plywood or hurricane shutters. Well I wouldn't complain, at least I had a private room and bath.

Chapter 35: Chapter 35 First Day of Confinement

I got some things from my suitcase and put them away in the bath and while I was there I brushed my teeth. I put Sheena and Yips bowls on the floor near the door to the bedroom and placed the dog beds on the floor between the dresser and bed. I knew they probably would not sleep there but I wanted them to feel comfortable as possible. The comforter on the bed was a fluffy down comforter with a cover of gold and burgundy flourish. The pillow shams were matching materials. There were plenty of pillows on the bed as well as a second soft electric blanket under the comforter. I wouldn't need that this time of year but I was sure I was not the first to use this safe house either. The sheets underneath appeared to be brand new though and I wondered if they bought new ones every time someone new moved in to this place. Well it really didn't matter, I would just treat this like I was staying in a hotel or condominium that I had rented. The big difference of course being that I had several house mates that were going to monitor my every move and every movement made for a very large area around me. Also I had very little liberty.

I had pulled the covers down during my inspection of the bed so I just decided to pull them all the way down ad climb in. I was very tired. In reality, I was exhausted. The events of the last few days had finally caught up with me and I needed sleep. I remembered as I drifted off that I was supposed to make a list for Keevan but I had no energy left to get up and make it. I would do it tomorrow. Another day without the foods I wanted would not kill me. The mob might, but not that.

I slept deeply that night and awoke to the smell of coffee and bacon. When I opened my eyes I was disoriented for a moment but then where I was and why I was there came flooding back. I lay there for a few moments thinking. I had two choices here: I could accept the situation for what it was and try my very best to make the best of the circumstances or I could wallow in self-pity and depression which would accomplish nothing. I decided right then I was going to make the best of this situation. I couldn't garden, go to the beach, walk through the yard even but I could and would find things to do to keep my hands and mind busy. Maybe I would take up a new hobby, knitting or crochet maybe. Maybe I would try my hand at writing or sculpting or art. All I had to do was ask and Keevan would get me what I needed. I also knew I would do some baking, lots of baking.

I got up and headed for the bath. I needed to get a shower and get moving. The dogs jumped down to their beds when I got up and I noticed food and water had been placed in their bowls. I was not sure who had done this but I was grateful. When I finished my shower and dressed I pulled the towel from my wet hair and combed it up into a ponytail. I did not feel the need to 'dress up' for my other house mates. Opening the door I headed out to my first day as a pseudo prisoner.

Crossing the dining room I glanced into the living room, which was empty and noticed it was spacious but simple. This was good it would keep us from being under each other's feet when we were in the common areas. I was used to living alone and having others in the house was going to be an adjustment.

Entering the kitchen I saw Agent Small standing by the door and Keevan at the stove frying bacon and eggs. "Good morning!" I chirped cheerfully. "That sure smells good!"

"Well! Look who finally decided to get up this morning!" Keevan teased. "I thought you would sleep all day."

Looking at the clock I realized it was well past noon already! "Oh, dear me!" I replied, "I did not realize it was that late! In my haste last night I seemed to have misplaced my phone which was my main source of time keeping. Has anyone seen it lying around?"

Agent Small spoke up then and said," you won't be able to have your phone here as they may be able to use it to track you and we do not want them finding you. If you need to make calls you may use either my or one of the other agents phones. "

Glancing at Keevan I could see the resigned look on his face indicating he hated that I was having to endure this restriction also. I shrugged my shoulders and said, "Oh, Well, I guess I will have to find something else to do besides play solitaire on my phone. Anyone have a deck of cards?"

I had pasted a smile on my face when I said this even though inside I felt like crying. I moved to the sink and grabbing a cup from the drain board pored myself a cup of coffee. Turning toward the refrigerator to get some creamers I nearly collided with Keevan who was holding out a bottle of French Vanilla creamers for me. Stepping back I looked at the bottle like it was an alien. Then I looked at Keevan with questions in my eyes.

"I remembered you took cream in your coffee from when you came to visit that one time." He said. "Since you fell asleep before making a list I took the liberty of picking up a few things myself."

"Thank you," I stammered, "That was very thoughtful. Taking the creamers I went over to the table and sat down.

Agent Small had been watching this entire interchange very closely and I was sure she could feel the tension between Keevan and myself. I glanced at her and indicated I wanted her to sit with me. She came over and sat across the table from me silently nursing her coffee. I was not sure if I should try to make conversation, or if I should just leave her alone. She seemed to be all business.

Keevan brought us both plates of food with eggs, bacon, grits and toast and set them in front of Agent Small and me. "Eat up girls." He said. "This is all we have till dinner time."

He grabbed another plate and came and sat between us at the table. We ate in silence devouring our food like we had not eaten in days. Which in my case was pretty accurate. I had nibbled some but I had not sat down and eaten a full meal since Mark had come to my door that night. Things had been pretty much upside down since that night. Once we finished stuffing our faces Keevan sat back in his chair and said, "Lilly, we want you to be comfortable here and feel at home with us as well. We are here for your protection and we have a task to do but you don't have to treat us like strangers. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Sort of." I said. "I am just not sure what I can and cannot say and do at this point. What do I call you? The other agents? The officers, if I see them?"

"You know my name," Keevan said, "and you may call me by that if you wish. Agent Smalls first name is Cara and I think she would rather you call her that as well." As he said this Cara nodded her head in agreement.

"Ok, I can do that without any problem. Please, Cara, Call me Lillian. I have not been Mrs. Josephine for a few years now and when this is all over I am going to go get my name changed back to my maiden name."

Cara laughed and Keevan raised his brows at this statement but I did not care. It was the truth. I don't know why I had not done that already. But I was determined to do it after all this was over.

I got up from the table and began to clear the dishes. Keevan put his hand on mine and stopped me. I looked at him and said, "If I'm going to live here I plan to pull my weight and do my share of the work. " He took his hand away and nodding his approval got up and took his own plate to the sink and rinsed it and placed it in the dishwasher. Cara did the same. I grabbed the cloth from the sink and start wiping down the table while Keevan cleared up the cooking utensils and placed them in the dishwasher. Cara returned to her post at the door. I assumed she was the one on duty at this point and was limited in her movements and activities to protecting me and remaining alert. Keevan and I finished cleaning the kitchen and he said, "Would you like to go into the living room? We can watch some television or play some cards if you wish."

"Sure," I said, "I think some cards would be interesting but first I need to make that list for you."

"Ok," he said," While you do that I will check with the other officers around the property to make sure everything is still tight and if you would like I will take the dogs for a walk while I am out."

As much as I wanted to be able to do this myself, I knew it was not safe so I agreed to let him take them. He followed me to the bedroom and I handed him their leashes after attaching them to their collars. They looked at me a little puzzled but did not protest too much when Keevan led them out the back door.

I watched them as they sniffed around the small enclosed area first and then as Keevan led them out of my sight I turned to the task he had given me. I went into the kitchen and began rummaging through the cabinets, pantry and refrigerator to see what was already there. I figured I may as well make use of what we had and not be wasteful.

Chapter 36: Chapter 36 Working as a Team

There were more eggs, bacon, milk and juice in the fridge along with some salad ingredients, and the other normal things like butter, catsup, syrup and salad dressings that you find in most peoples refrigerators. There was not much else and the freezer was practically bare except for a box of popsicles that looked to be very old. I found several different types of sugary cereal in the pantry, some boxed rice and an odd assortment of processed canned meals. The cabinets did not yield much more and nowhere could I find items for baking. I wanted to make some fresh bread, pastries, pies, cookies whatever I could while I had all this time on my hands. I kept adding things to my list as I went through the kitchen. By the time I had finished there I had quite an extensive list for Keevan. Now I had to break it down into what I needed for now and what could wait until later. I did not think they expected me to plan the meals for all of us staying here but cooking and planning those meals would give me something to do. I made a makeshift menu for the next few days to show to Keevan and continued to add to my list to fulfill the needs for that menu. I knew now that he could cook fairly well as he had cooked an amazing breakfast, but for all I knew that's all he knew how to cook. I was determined not to live on fast food during my confinement here.

Finally Keevan returned with the dogs and I heard them coming in the back door. I slipped into the dining room to greet them. Sheena and Yip seemed happy to see me but Keevans expression was unreadable. I tried not to take it personally as I knew he had a job to do and he wanted to try and remain as professional as possible. If he would but look at me I could see what he was thinking in his eyes. He seemed to be avoiding my eyes though. He must have seen or heard something outside that he did not want me to be alarmed by.

" How did your walk go? Is the farm all secure? Did the dogs behave for you? What's the weather like out there?" I asked. The questions just came out in a stream like a rapid fire gun and I did not even give him time to answer before I asked another. I guess it was nerves on my part but it broke the tense moment and laughing he said, "Whoa there! Slow down, Lilly, I can only answer one question at a time." I laughed along with him and said, "Okay, so I am waiting."

"Our walk went very well, we walked all the way out to the perimeter of the back fence and then back up to the makeshift barracks. Everything is secure, just as I expected it to be and you don't have to worry about loopholes in the security here. We have fifteen officers rotating patrols twenty four hours a day as well as two or more agents here in the house with you. We also have a surveillance crew up on the main road and on the back trails as well. There are cameras on every angle of the property and in nearly every room of the house." He explained.

The last fact was a bit startling to me and I glanced around looking for the cameras. Was there on in my bedroom and bath as well? Was I being watched every moment too?

"No, Lilly there is not a camera in your private quarters. We would not subject you to that kind of invasion of your privacy. We do need the ones here in the main rooms though to keep track of the movements of all personnel through the house." Keevan said.

"That a relief!" I exclaimed. "I would not like to be spied on all the time. I am a little uneasy already with all the people here and the cameras that are in the house. "

"It is necessary," he said, "but rest assured you have privacy in your rooms."

"Thank you Keevan." I said. This must have been what he was feeling reluctant to meet my eyes over when he first came in because now he was looking me straight in the eyes and as I looked at his eyes with their rich depths I could feel the power of their spell overtaking me. I didn't fight it this time though. I held his gaze just as steadily with my own hoping he could read in my eyes that I trusted him. I had no idea why I trusted him but suddenly I knew without a doubt that I did. He held my life in his power and I was trusting him with it. He must have seen the shift in my eyes from doubt to trust because his eyes changed too and he let down the barrier and opened his thoughts to me as well. I saw there something that I did not know how to decipher totally, not because of him but because of myself. I saw genuine caring. The intensity of our locked gazes was suddenly broken by the entrance of Cara into the room. Yip barked at her but she wasn't bothered by him and went over to pet him. He reveled in that and Keevan bent to unhook the leashes and release the dogs. I would need a little alone time to decipher all I had seen in his eyes in those moments because when he looked back up the shades of his eyes were drawn back down.

I reached in my pocket and pulled out the lists. "I took the liberty of creating a menu, I hope you two don't mind. I thought it would give me something to do if I could cook some dinners for us and make the best of this situation." I explained

"You don't have to do that," Cara and Keevan said simultaneously. We all laughed at that and then Cara spoke up and said, " We can all take turns cooking and cleaning up around here, you don't have to bear the load of the work. Try to think of this as a vacation of sorts."

I chuckled at that thought and said, "No, I do not mind cooking at all. In reality it is the cleaning up part I don't care for."

Keevan spoke up then and said, "Well, ladies, I think we should make a bit of a schedule here, but I'm all for letting you two handle the cooking and I'll do the cleanup. My recipe book is very limited and mostly to breakfast preparation at that. "

Cara and I looked at each other and nodding our heads agreed to this suggestion. Cara looked at the menu I had written out and said, "You know some of these things I would like to learn how to cook. How about we cook together on the nights I am here? "

"That is a very good idea!" I exclaimed. Turning to Keevan I said, "Will you be able to get everything on the list at the local market? I have no idea how big it is and I made the list hoping it was at least close to the size of the one where we live."

"I believe I will be able to get everything at the local market." He said. "Were there any personal items you needed from the house or that I could pick up from the store as well? I know we roused you out of the house rather quickly last night so if there's something you need let me know. "

I was not sure I liked the idea of anyone rooting around in my personal space but I felt at this point I could trust him to be discreet. "There are a few things I would like from the house, they are written on the back of the menu. If you cannot get them I will survive without them." I said.

He looked at the list I had made. He glanced up a few times with a questioning look in his eyes but did not say anything. There were only ten or so items on the list so when he had read it he nodded his head and said, "I can pick these up later today and bring them to you tomorrow when I come out. I will not be staying here tonight. Doing it this way reduces the risk of being followed as well."

I was disappointed to hear that but I figured it would be a time to get to know Cara a little better.

"How soon will you be leaving?" I asked.

"I must leave within the hour." He said.

"I will still be here with you as well as another agent." Cara said.

"Oh I wasn't worried about that." I said, smiling at Cara. "I just wanted to bake some bread tonight but it will have to wait till tomorrow."

Keevan tuned back to the door and opening it left the house. I assumed he was heading out to check on things some more before he left, Cara and I looked at each other and I said, "Well what should we do with ourselves now?"

"How about a game of cards?" she asked. "Do you play gin rummy? "

"As a matter of fact, I do." I told her.

She grabbed some cards from a drawer in the buffet and sitting down at the table we began to play. At first we were very quiet, concentrating on learning each other's strategies for playing. After a couple of rounds we began to relax and talk. She asked me a lot of questions about myself, mark, my childhood, and what I liked. I tried to answer as many of her questions as honestly as I could but some of them I just did not feel comfortable opening up to her, or anyone else for that matter.

Chapter 37: Chapter 37 Cara

Chapter 37 Cara

Playing cards with Cara was somewhat relaxing for both of us but I did notice she still was very alert to any outside noises. The dogs were laying under the table at our feet and it was a very cozy twosome we had produced there at the table. As she asked me more questions I became bolder and started to ask a few myself. I was curious what had possessed a woman to become an FBI agent in the first place. It is a very dangerous job and I could not imagine putting myself in that position on a daily basis. I discovered she came from a long ancestry of lawmen and military. He father and mother had both served in the United STates Air Force. She had two brothers who had served in the army in Iraq and another sister who was killed in Afghanistan. She had two remaining brothers who were on the local police force in New York city. She explained all of this to me in sketchy detail as we played cards. She told me that when her only sister had died in Afghanistan she had been so devastated that she nearly died herself. They had been only a year apart in age and were very close being the only girls in the family. She Said she had become determined through that experience to make a difference with her life and applied to become an agent. She had worked in the sheriff's department already for a few years so she had the experience she needed. She had only been graduated from Quantico for a year and this was really her first major assignment of this nature. This news probably should have alarmed me but it did not. For some reason I trusted her and felt a close connection with her. I don't know if she felt the same with me but we had an easy camaraderie.

We played cards for probably three hours and talked about ourselves our lives and the situation we were in here. She asked me questions about Mark but not anything to do with the case. She asked how we met and I told her the story of our courtship and hoe he had swept me off of my feet. I admitted how naïve I had been and with some cynicism I told how I fallen in love with a man that did not in reality exist. It was not easy admitting to this stranger how foolish I had been but somehow, in sharing with her , It felt like a great weight had been lifted from me. I had harboured my secret for these past few years in shame but I had nothing to be ashamed of. Cara told me how she had struggled with her own marriage, especially after the death of her sister, and how they had been separated for some time now but were working on rebuilding their lives slowly. We marveled at how much we had had in common yet our lives were so different.

Around five o'clock the second agent, who I had assumed been either sleeping or standing watch somewhere came in through the kitchen door. From his spit and polish appearance I was sure he had just awoken recently and showered and dressed in the makeshift barracks in the barn.

"Evening, Ladies, I am Agent Bells but you may call me John." he said. "I will be here for the next twelve hours keeping watch inside the house. If you need me just press the intercom button you see on the wall in nearly every room of the house. My radio will beep and ill answer as quickly as I can."

Prior to this I had noticed the intercom system but I was not sure if it was actually used to communicate in the house or not. I was surprised neither Keevan or Cara had said anything, but then again one or the other had been in the same room as I most of the day. I said, "Thank you, John, I will remember that. Does it contact all security personnel or just the agents in the house? "

"The intercom is directly linked to the agents walkie talkies and to the barn headquarters," he said, "If an alarm goes up from you everyone will hear intercom is to be used only in an emergency. "

"Okay, I understand." I replied.

Cara said, "Don't worry, Lilly, if you need something within the house or to just speak to one of us privately you can press the white button at the bottom of the intercom twice. That will signal us that it is not an emergency. I hope that's not too confusing for you, We had to set up an overall alarm system for you to contact all security if the premises become compromised."

"Is that possible?" I asked. "Do you think someone may be able to sneak by all the safe guards and people you have put here?"

"No!" John and Cara said simultaneously.

Cara continued, "We are sure of our security here. You must realize though in this line of work there must be backups to back up the backup plan, right?"

I said, "Yes that makes sense, It just is a little frightening to think the security measures you have taken could fail."

John replied, " We understand your fears, ma'am, but try to trust us that we know what we are doing. Okay?"

"I will try, but it wont be easy." I said with a nervous chuckle.

"That is all we can ask," said Cara.

I turned then, and with a hand motion to the dogs, headed to my room. I needed to be alone for a while. "I will be back in a little while." I said. "If you want I will take the first dinner preparation shift tonight. What time does everyone want to eat?"

John said, "Oh, I took the liberty of asking one of the officers to pick up some pizza. I hope you don't mind. I did not know you had planned on cooking while you were here. Most don't."

"Its all right, pizza is fine. I am not really that hungry anyway." I mumbled as I went through my door, closing it firmly behind the dogs and myself. Suddenly I was very tired again and all I wanted to do was lay down and sleep. I wished for so many things in that moment but most of all I wished Keevan was there with me. His presence made me feel secure. I knew so little about him but somehow in the midst of all this mess I had come to trust him. Maybe it was because of what I had seen in his eyes that his lips had not spoken. It was strange, yet it was secure. I gave the dogs some water and went to take a shower hoping that would make me feel a little better. I noticed that sometime during the day someone had placed a small flat screen television and a DVD player on my dresser with a stack of videos beside it. I suppose I would not be allowed to watch actual television while here but I would look through the videos when I finished my shower and see if there was something worth watching there.

When I got in the bathroom I decided to take a bath instead hoping it would help me relax. Despite my determination to make the best of things I was still tense and nervous. I drew a tub full of hot water, added som bath salts I found under the sink and stepped in to the tub. Sinking down in the steaming hot bath I felt the warmth seep through my muscles and joints. I began to relax. I let my mind drift where it wanted. I began day dreaming that I was in a rich luxurious castle. I was a princess with hundreds of servants waiting to do my bidding. I smiled at the absurdity of that thought and my mind shifted to Keevan. I wanted to get to know him better. I did not know if that would happen here in this situation or if I would have to wait. There was a reserved quality about him that made me wonder if he had been hurt like I had. I thought about how he made me feel when he held me close protecting me on that floor from flying bullets. I thought about how he had made me feel warm despite the chill as he carried me up the shore to my house. I thought about the strength he had. The hidden strength in his body and mind. I thought about the kiss we had shared. I was still puzzled about why he had pulled away so abruptly and said what he did. I had felt something spark so violently yet sweet between us with that one kiss and I wanted to explore that. I wondered if he had felt it. He had to have felt it for his reaction to be so intense. I lay there till the water became lukewarm

and I was getting wrinkles on the ends of my fingers and toes. Draining the water I got out and dried off. I threw on my nightshirt with a pair of sleep shorts underneath and went into the bedroom.

I looked through the DVDs that were on the dresser and some of the titles were ones I had already seen before but there were two or three I had not seen. None of them appealed to me at the moment so I took out one had already seen and put it in just to have some sound in the room. I would have to remember to ask if I could have my iPod with my music on it from home when Keevan came back.

Chapter 38: Chapter 38 Waiting

Chapter 38

Waiting

When Keegan returned the next day he did not spend much time inside the house. He brought the groceries and the items from that were on my list. Intuitively he had also thought to bring my iPod as well. He must have seen it lying on the night stand and figured I used it often. He was correct in his assumption. It was comforting somehow to think he noticed things like that and was thoughtful enough to try to bring me what he thought I might want. It also was a bit uncomfortable to think he was so tuned into things that he figured that out. But I did not want to doubt him or question his motives any more. I knew, somehow, I could trust him fully with any information he gathered. Weather from me or on his own. I found myself wishing I had the opportunity to investigate him in the same way. He had told me the story about his family and the house but I was sure there were things he had left out of that sad tale. I had sensed a deep sorrow and sadness in him that I could not explain but if given the chance I would seek the answers. John had gone back to the bunk house to sleep and Cara had come out of a room on the opposite side of the living room that I assumed was her sleeping quarters, being the only other woman here, she got a private room like I did. It gave me some sense of respect for the men protecting me that they respected her privacy as well as mine.

We settled into a routine each day of breakfast with John and Cara and I sharing the duties, then John heading for some shut-eye while Cara and I kept each other company. Keegan would seem every other day with more groceries and stick around for lunch. He then disappeared from the house till dinner time, when he and John came to the house together to eat whatever Cara or I had prepared for dinner. Both men seemed to enjoy having the time around the table over a home cooked meal. The conversations were quiet on some days and lively on others. Usually the nights Keegan was there were quieter. He seemed to be in charge of the operation here and I wondered if he had a powerful place within the FBI and that's why he was in charge. I probably created a thousand fantastic scenarios in my head of his true job, and probably not one was real.

One evening, about two weeks into my confinement, over dinner I requested a few extra things from Keegan. I asked him first if I could have access to a laptop and WiFi . I promised him I would not search local news or things pertaining to the case. I just wanted to look up some tutorials for my second request, yarn. Lots of yarn. I was going to teach myself how to either knit or crochet, which ever one was easiest. Cara and I had discussed this already and she was not interested in this activity but encouraged me to try my hand at it. Keegan did not bat an eye at my request for yarn. As a matter of fact all he did was raise one eyebrow at me quizzically as if to say, "Oh, Really?"

Now the laptop request was met with a little more resistance. He began to shake his head no emphatically. He said, " We cannot risk you being compromised, Lilly, you know that. How can I be sure that you won't stumble on something that will blow this whole operation out of the water?"

I had my answer ready as Cara had warned me he would be reluctant to allow me internet access. I said, " The whole place is wired with cameras which can see my every move. I will only use the laptop in the common areas with the screen facing fully in the camera's view. If I want to look up something you can even set up a password that I don't know and have to get from one of you to access the internet or a web site. That way you will know where and what I am doing."

"Well," Keegan drawled, "You seem to have thought this through already. I can see a thousand loop holes in your plan, but, I am going to allow the laptop. You will have to be honest with us and not try to look up anything to do with the case, jurors, or any information there is out there about Mark."

"I promise you I can do that Keegan," I said, "And I am not interested in any information about Mark. He ceased being important to me a long time ago. I know what kind of person he is I don't need news reports to tell me."

With that it was settled and in two days I had a nice little laptop set up on the editable in the living room where I could sit in the recliner while I learned to knit or crochet. Keegan had spent some time showing me how to use the internet within the house and explaining that I would not be able to use what the security system was able to access because it was all password protected. I was no computer genius so I told him he hold not have to worry about me hacking into the security system. What I didn't tell him was how I was going to use the laptop to channel the WiFi to my iPod and do some research on him. I had a burning need to know more about him and since he spent very little time in the house and no time with me personally I would have to go about it in this way instead.

Once Keegan had left the house I sat down in the recliner, in full view of the camera behind me and typed in my search for tutorials on knitting and crochet. I read both through very thoroughly and decided I would try knitting first. Although there were more stitches to learn it seemed to me they were larger and easier to manage, and remove if I made mistakes. Which, knowing myself, I probably would make many. I had plugged my iPod in and had headphone in my ears listening to music as I was studying the tutorials. I started to knit with the yarn Keegan had brought me. He had found some very soft cream-colored yarn and an excellent starters kit o's kneeled and other tools I would need to knit or crochet. I mused hat how thoughtful and careful he was.

I sat there for about an hour knitting and tearing out stitches trying to get it right. I was getting a bit frustrated but I stuck with it. Finally I was able to complete one row of stitches, or a chain as they call it, about 30 links long. I was so proud of myself!I had taught myself to knit! Yes I had only completed one row, and as of yet I had no idea how to connect a second row, but I had started. Tomorrow I would spend a little more time. Each day I promised myself I would spend an hour at the least knitting until I completed something useful. I looked for a pattern on-line that I could easily make with the stitches I had learned today and found a little cap that was so adorable and would look perfect in this white Keegan had bought. Not that I would get to wear it much here in Florida but it would be something. I bookmarked the page so I could return to it tomorrow to start on my cap.

I did not disconnect from the internet though. Instead I turned my body slightly so the camera could only see part of the screen and minimizing the window I looked up the IP address being used here in the house wireless system. I had a small note pad next to my chair that I had jotted notes down on while I looked up the tutorials. I had jotted numbers down from the instructions purposely so they would not suspect when I wrote down the IP address. I jotted it down casually hoping they would not figure out what I was doing. I also hoped they did not have a different password than I had seen Keegan type in when he set up the computer for me. I would be out of luck if that were true. Once I had written that down I closed the window and searched a few more patterns before shutting down the computer. I had the information I needed to do my private search.

Chapter 39: Chapter 39 Spying

Chapter 39

Spying

That evening, after retiring to my room, I pulled out my iPod and put my plan into action. I was determined to find what every information I could about Keevan on the internet. I could be looking in the wrong place because I had read stories where agents were able to make information disappear about themselves. This was supposed to make them harder for the bad guys to find them. I had watched my share of crime dramas and movies too. I had no idea if all that was really possible but I was on a mission to find out what I could about this intriguing man named Keevan Wilson.

I went into my setting on my iPod and connected into the internet Wi-Fi that it detected. When I pressed the button for it to connect to that signal it requested for me to type in the password." Well, here goes nothing." I said out loud as I typed in the password I had seen Keevan type in earlier that day to the laptop. The icon swirled for a few seconds, my iPod blinked once and I was connected. I smiled to myself thinking, "For all the fancy technology and smarty pants they have around here that was easy."

I began my search by simply typing in his name, hoping there was not another Keevan Wilson anywhere in the world. I did not know his middle name, date of birth, fathers or mothers names. My search yielded several different choices of web sites to search all with the same name Keevan Anthony Wilson. That was the only name that came up on all the searches. Well I got lucky there I guess there was only one Keevan. I liked his middle name. Anthony was a strong name. It reminded me of greatness. The first three sights I clicked on were your general run of the mill search for a name, address, phone number and basic info sites that claimed to be free but once you got there they wanted credit card information for your seven-day 'free' trial. I skipped over those to the fourth link which was FBI database. I did not know if I would be able to get access to this info but it was worth a try.

I clicked on the link and waited for the page to load. Just as I expected though I was redirected to a secure login page. Well I did not want to give myself away so I shut that page down and tried the next link. I was able to gain some basic info from this link. I found out he had two brothers and one sister, His story about the house and its origins were true also. It made me feel special he had shared that story with me. I also discovered he really did work for the vet where I had gotten the dogs and had three degrees, the one in veterinary medicine, being the most recent one obtained. He also held degrees in Business and Law. He was o few years older than me and he had never been married. I found that hard to believe and wondered if he had expunged that from his profile. He also had Facebook, twitter, and Instagram accounts that had seen very little or no activity since being opened. I suppose he had opened them just to see what they were about and then become bored with the social media hype.

According to the information I could find his parents were deceased as were two of his siblings. It appeared he had grown up on the mean streets of Miami and not in the lovely home by the sea. I wrapped up my search for the night and switched my iPod over to some relaxing music. Putting my ear buds in I stretched out on the bed and stared at the ceiling. It was a little early to go to bed so I just lay on top of the covers.

I lay there thinking about all the information I had read about Keevan. In reality I had learned very little from my search and I was left with more questions than answers. I suppose I was going to have to just bide my time and ask the questions of him, or someone who knew him well. Maybe Cara knew him better than I did. They seemed to have an easy companionship and a familiar way with each other. I wondered if they had ever been lovers, or if maybe they were now and that was why he had pulled away from our kiss so suddenly. I sincerely hoped that was not true though because I really liked Cara and I did not want to have anything come between us. We seemed to be building a bond and even when this whole ordeal was over I wanted to continue our friendship beyond these walls.

I found myself daydreaming about Keevan and what it would be like to be romantically involved with him. He was always so formal and proper with me, except for when he used that mocking tone and called me ma'am in a heavy southern drawl. I found myself smiling at the memories of him doing that. I laid there seeing his face in my mind's eye and imagining what it would be like to kiss him again without fear or reluctance. Would he even want to kiss me again? I wanted him to. He was such a mystery to me but I was very strongly attracted to him on many levels. I did not know if I would ever get the chance to explore these levels in reality but I was in my imagination.

That was how he found me when he came into my room unannounced. I guess I had not locked the door, or even closed it completely, because I did not hear him enter. But then again I may have just been that far gone into my fantasy. When he entered the room I was lying there with a silly grin on my face and my eyes closed, music blaring through my headphones, arms wrapped around myself as if I was giving myself a hug.

I was startled from my daydreaming by the touch of his hand on my elbow. I opened my eyes and sat up quickly. I was startled by his presence there. How did he come in and I didn't even hear him. Then I recalled I had headphones in. I turned my music down and removed the headphones from my ears. Calming myself before I spoke I asked, "Is something wrong?"

Keevan looked at me with those beautiful kind eyes and smiling he said, "No, not really. We just need to talk."

"Now? Here? Us? Why?" I stammered in confusion. I was hoping I did not look guilty and that he could not read from my face what I had just been thinking five minutes before.

Keevan sat down on the end of the bed and, kicking off his shoes, crossed his legs under him. He looked at me and, taking my hand in his, said, "Lilly, we need to talk about a lot of things, I have tried to put it off until after this whole mess is over but I cannot do that anymore."

I turned to him waiting for him to continue.

Chapter 40: Chapter 40 An Understanding

Chapter 40

An Understanding

Keevan was sitting there on my bed holding my hand while I waited for him to say what he came here to say. He was looking down at our two hands together on the bed as if they were going to have the words he need or wanted to say written on them. I did not say a word I just waited. Finally, after what seemed a very long time, he looked up into my eyes and began to speak.

"Lilly, I know you have been put in a very upsetting and awkward situation by all of this. I understand the frustrations that can be born of being cooped up in a strange place. Especially for someone like you. You love the outdoors don't you?" I nodded my head yes although he was not really asking me a question. "It has been very difficult for me as well," he continued. I was puzzled by this but I let him talk. "It has pained me greatly the secrecy that I must live under when it comes to you. I have wanted to talk with you so many times and get to know you better but in that process I would have to reveal more of me. That would only be fair. Unfortunately my profession limits what I can reveal about myself."

I was not sure where he was headed with this conversation at this point but I interrupted him to say, "Yes, that's fair to say but if you had given me the chance I would have understood that you had to keep certain things to yourself. I would not have pressed you for information you did not want to share any more than you would me."

"I know that now, Lilly," he said, "But I had to be sure first. Then all of this happened and my plans to go slowly and get to know you gradually all went haywire. Remember the night when I kissed you? Remember what I said to you then?" I nodded my head yes. "Well I think you misunderstood me then. I did not mean I dint want to kiss you, I wanted to kiss you and never stop. What I did mean was that it was not the right time to kiss you yet. I felt so guilty, like I had pushed you too soon. When you fled through the woods I was certain of it. That's why I didn't come around for a little while. I was sure you did not want to see me any way."

I was quite surprised at this confession from him and I could tell from the look in his eyes that it was very difficult for him to admit these things. I looked deeply into his eyes and said, "Keevan, I was afraid that night. Not of you or your kisses but of myself. I ran from my own feelings and emotions that night. It took time for me to sort out everything, and I really don't have it all sorted yet but the night when you saved my life from that bullet meant to take it I realized something very important. I realized I needed to stop running and face my fears head on. I needed to stop being afraid to care about others just because of one man's deception. I knew that night I could trust you."

Keevan was looking into my eyes as I looked into his and I am sure he saw there in the depths of my eyes that I had come to care for him. I hoped he trusted me as I had come to trust him.

"Lilly, if you trust me why did you find it necessary to lie and search for information about me on the web? " He then asked.

Shamefacedly I looked down at my hand and realized that my ruse has failed completely. I should have known these guys were much more computer savvy than I could ever hope to be! "I am sorry," I said, "There was not really a good reason for sneaking. I was curious to know more about you and impatient to wait for the time when I could ask you more about yourself. Please don't think it was lack of trust on my part, I was just impatient." I looked back up into his eyes then and saw that he was smiling.

"What? " I asked.

Keevan chuckled quietly. "Oh, Lilly, you could have asked me anything at any time. I am sorry you felt you could not ask. Granted, there would have been things I would have to say I could not tell you, but I would have told you the basics you wanted to know."

I shrugged my shoulder as if to say 'What can I say?' and he leaned over and grabbed my other hand and pulled me closer to himself until I was sitting on his lap. I didn't resist. The comfort of his arms around me, as I lay my head on his strong chest, was something I had longed for without even realizing it. . My ear was next to his heart and I could hear the steady beat of his heart. He was stroking my hair with his hand and whispering, "Lilly, sweet Lilly." Over and over again. I wrapped my arms around him and held him close. We sat that way for a few minutes just holding each other.

"Lilly?" Keevan said.

"Yes?" I replied

"Are you sure, absolutely that you are ready to be in this place?" He asked

"What place is that?" I asked.

"You, Me, a relationship type of place. " He said.

I leaned my head back and looked up into his beautiful eyes and in answer I kissed him. His response was surprise at first but then as he realized that was the answer to his question he deepened the kiss as he drew me closer to him. I had never felt so free or open with anyone else in my life. Not even Mark. It was as if he was the other half of my soul and we were fusing on the deepest level possible. I felt whole. I did not know if he was feeling the same way but part of me knew he was. My mind was my enemy here and I had to convince it of things before it would let my heart go totally. But I sensed it was already gone. I had found that elusive soul mate in Keevan.

I drew away from the kiss first to spare him the awkward feelings. Looking into his eyes I saw the answer to the question I had thought. He had felt it too. Where we would go with this I was not sure but the opportunity to find out was interrupted by a sharp rap on the door.

Chapter 41: Chapter 41 Trouble

Chapter 41

Trouble

Gently Keevan slid me off of his lap and with a gentle peck on my cheek he went to answer the door. I turned my face away because I knew if whoever was there saw it they would know what we had just shared here. Yes it was only a kiss but in so many ways it was more than that.

Keevan opened the door and Cara was on the other side. She seemed a little agitated and motioned for him to step out of the room. He stepped out and closed the door. I could hear them talking on the other side of the door but their voices were so low I could not understand the words they said. I did sense though something had happened to upset Cara.

A few minutes later the door opened and Cara entered my room. She seemed unconcerned with niceties as she didn't knock. I wondered if she was upset that Keevan had been in there alone with me.

"I am sorry," I said, "is there something wrong? Did I do something to upset you?"

Cara looked at me in surprise and said, "Oh, no, why would you think I was upset with you?"

"Well you kind of just barged in without knocking just now and, "I started to say.

"Oh dear!" Cara exclaimed. "I am sorry about that. I was just so preoccupied with the things going on outside I forgot to knock."

"What's going on out there?" I asked

"Just some discrepancies in the live feed from the rear of the property that buts up against the woods. " She explained. "We are not sure if a camera is malfunctioning or someone has tampered with it. Keevan is going to the control room to watch the surveillance videos from the last few hours to see if he can tell. He's the best in the FBI at deciphering surveillance and anything to do with technology. "

Well, I thought to myself, that explains who caught my poor attempt at sleuthing then. I would have to remember I should not try to challenge him there again because surely every time I would fail.

"I am glad you are not upset with me." I said. "Are you here to make sure I stay safe since there are no cameras in this room?" I asked.

"Yes, although there are motion sensors and a camera above the window facing out to keep an eye out for anyone trying to sneak in, or out, that way." She said.

"Well, I'm glad I resisted the urge to climb from the window and run then." I said half-jokingly.

Cara laughed and seemed to relax a little then. We sat down on the bed and began to chat while we waited for Keevan to return. I asked her some of the questions I had been wondering about her and Keevans relationship. She assured me they were associates and friends nothing more. She told me there had never been a physical attraction between them and they were more like sister and brother than anything else. I watched her face and eyes as she told me these things and I knew she spoke the truth. I asked her what she could tell me about Keevans past and if he had ever been married before. She was reluctant to talk about those things and told me she felt it was better if I asked him those questions. She did tell me he had not ever married though. Cara looked at me then and asked me, "Lilly, why do you ask me these questions? Are you falling for Keevan? He's a very attractive man and I can see why you would if you are but know this if you hurt him you will have to answer to me. I told you we are like family to each other and I do not want him to be hurt."

"Cara," I said "You do not have to worry about that. I have known hurt and I would not do anything to intentionally hurt Keevan. I have found myself drawn to him deeply and strongly and I am wanting to get to know more about him."

"Good," Cara replied. "That's what I wanted to hear."

There was a soft rap on the door and Keevan came in. The look on his face was one of concern and irritation. I hoped he had not heard what Cara and I had discusd for that would be a bit embarrassing.

He looked from her to me and said to Cara, "There is definitely something not right about those tapes. The scenery keeps looping and you can see the same butterfly floating across the screen in the same point of the loop over and over. Either someone outside has tampered with the camera and set it to loop or we have a traitor in the camp. I would like to believe it is the first because the second has very grave implications."

I was looking from Keevan to Cara as he told her this and although I did not understand all of what he said either scenario sounded bad to me. If someone had tampered from the outside with the camera then they could be on the property and we would not know it. This was dangerous. If someone had tampered with the feed from inside this was dangerous too. That word, traitor, struck fear in my heart.

"We are going to have to do a full security check of the premises as well as all staff including those who have the privilege of coming and going. " Keevan told Cara. "Call headquarters and request three agents. Speak only to the director and have him choose the agents. Keep the strictest confidence and tell no one what we are doing. We cannot risk even one life in this matter. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir!" Cara barked, and turned to go do his bidding. As she left the room she was pulling her special encrypted phone from her pants pocket.

Keevan looked at me and said, "Lilly, I hate to do this to you and I know you value your privacy, but until we finish this internal investigation I will have to ask you to stay where a camera can see you at all times. Hopefully we will have this cleared up before bed time and you can sleep here in your room. If not you can use my room, which has a monitor in it."

I nodded my head in understanding. I felt no anger and I didn't feel put out by his request. Oddly enough I felt safe. If I had to sleep in his room tonight I was ok with that. I trusted he was not going to try anything untoward with me and probably would not even sleep there if I was in the room. He had proven he was a gentleman in so many ways already. He had earned my trust. I gathered my knitting supplies, a book and the dogs and headed toward the door. He stopped me just before I opened the door and tipping my chin up as I was looking at him he leaned down and kissed me. So gentle was the kiss my heart melted and I wanted to cry. He opened the door and we walked out into the living room where I claimed the recliner with Sheena jumping up to my lap and yip lying at my feet.

With a look that spoke volumes Keevan went to the control room.

I began knitting. Knit on, purl two, over and over, repeating the steps I had learned earlier that day. Soon I had a row of stitches almost four feet long. So I turned them around and using what I had read earlier I went back down the row attaching another row to my first. I am not sure how long I sat there knitting but soon I had what could pass for a small baby blanket. Holding up my work I could see the flaws where I had dropped a stitch or not pulled the loop tight enough so the yarn sagged. Over all though, for my first blanket, it wasn't too bad. I decided I would not be wasteful though and I would pull the stitches out and practice again with the same yarn. That way when I got it perfect I would not have wasted any yarn. Just about the time I got ready to do this Cara came in.

"Oh, Lilly!" she exclaimed. "That is beautiful! Who are you making it for? Can I have one too?"

Laughing I told her, "This is just practice. I am going to take it apart and start over."

What?" Cara asked me incredulously. "You're going to do what?"

"You heard me," I said,"I am going to start over. I made some mistakes and this was practice anyway."

Walking over to me she reached down and grabbed the blanket from my hands. She began inspecting the blanket like a professional. I was sure she could see the mistakes as clearly as I had.

"This is perfect!" she announced." I don't see where you made one mistake. If you don't want this I do."

Well I did not want to cause a scene with Cara, and she was acting a little unusual now so I agreed to let her have the blanket. I tied off the ends and snipped the yarn. Handing her the blanket with a smile I said, "I don't know why you want this but here it is, all yours."

"Thank you, Lilly. You don't know how much it means to me that you allowed me to have it." Cara said.

With that she left and went into the control room. I was puzzled by her odd behavior and her last statement but I shook it off and decided to start a new project. Slipping my iPod out of my pocket I plugged in my ear buds and turned on some music to relax. I checked the time and saw that it was well after ten o'clock at night and I had not heard anything from Keevan about where I was to sleep tonight. I figured I would give it another hour, if I didn't fall asleep here in the recliner that is. I stretched out and decided to read and relax to my music instead of knitting any more. Opening my book I lost myself in the mysterious fantasy world of the graced.

Chapter 42: Chapter 42 Who To Trust

Chapter 42

Who To Trust?

I must have drifted off somewhere in the middle of chapter ten because I was suddenly jarred awake by a loud commotion coming from the control room and Yip barking frantically. Shaking the sleep from my eyes I jumped from the chair and ran toward the door to the control room. What I planned to do I have no idea, but I headed there anyway. Reaching for the doorknob I heard a popping sound, like a gun, but quieter, come from behind the door. I grabbed the handle and turned.

To my utter dismay the door was locked. I turned and ran for the nearest door thinking I needed to get help. Keevan could be hurt! Cara could be hurt! Or worse, one of them could be dead and I was next. I flew through the front door without even thinking as alarms sounded and lights went black all around me I panicked and dropped to the ground. That movement alone probably saved my life. Shots rang out singing over my head and through the door. I rolled to the side of the porch and into the bushes. I was shaking like a leaf by this time and it was all I could do not to sob out loud. The thought of Keevan or Cara lying in that room hurt or dead was ripping me apart. I held my breath and my tears as I watched through the branches and brambles of the bush id rolled into for the person who had shot at me. I felt more than saw movement on the steps and as I focused my eyes in the dark a shape began to appear. It was a man about six feet tall, with very broad shoulders and longish hair. He was wearing a trench coat, which I thought odd for this time of the year, and his shoes were rubber soled and did not make a sound as he tiptoed up the porch steps. I hoped he did not look over my way because surely he would kill me if he saw me still alive.

Suddenly he jerked backwards and fell down the steps dropping the gun that had been in his hand. He landed on the sidewalk on his back but he did not move to get up. It was then I noticed the bloom of blood on his topcoat and running down his temple. Someone had shot him from inside the house. Good guy or bad Guy? Who was who? I had no idea. All I knew is that too many people were dying because of this mess Mark had created and I did not want to be next. I stayed where I was waiting to see if anyone else come up to the house or out of the house.

From somewhere in the house someone silenced the alarms and turned the lights back on. I could see my mystery man a little better now and realized it was Marks attorney Mr. Nance. Why would he be here? Why would he be sneaking into the house with a gun? Why did someone kill him? Was I among friend or foe now? Was I safe?

I could hear footsteps approaching the front door and held my breath to see who it might be. As the person stepped through the door I saw the drawn gun first. I cowered lower into the bush making myself as small as possible in hopes they couldn't see me. As he stepped thru the door I almost sighed audibly in relief. It was Keevan. At the last second I decided to wait until I saw what he did. Had I been wrong about him? Was he really bad? Had I messed up again?

Several of the officer came around the sides of the house just then and Keevan dropped his gun hand down removing his finger from the trigger.

"I think we found our mole gentlemen," he said, looking down at Mr. Nance lying in a pool of blood. One of the officers went over to Mr. Nance and checking for a pulse looked up and shook his head. "He's dead" the officer said.

"We also have two bodies inside in the control room. Both deceased. Call CIS and tell them to get down here now. I have to find our charge and get her away from here as quickly as possible. Security has been compromised and I will be escorting her to a new site. Has anyone seen her?"

All of the officers shook their heads and looked around them as if I would appear out of thin air.

"Search the entire premises now. I want her found quickly. If she is to remain safe I must get her out of here." Keevan commanded them.

The officers all scattered quickly to go search for me. Keevan turned back toward the door and said, "Ok, Lilly, you can come out of there now. No one knows where you are but me. We have to go before they all return."

Crouching there I held my breath hoping he was just guessing my location. I should have known better. His sixth sense was very finely tuned. He stooped down on the step and put his hand out into the bushes to help me up. I knew my hiding place was useless then so I put my hand out and let him help me up.

He lifted me up to the porch and pulled me into the house closing the door silently behind me. He drug me toward my room with the dogs whimpering behind us. Closing my door behind us he said," Lilly, you are going to have to trust me. There are several people here who would like nothing better than to see us both dead. We are going to have to leave now. I have a car waiting on the south side of the farm away from the other buildings but hidden in the tall grass. Grab only what you absolutely need and climb out that window. You have five minutes."

"What about the dogs?" I asked.

"Take them if you must but if they get cumbersome or troublesome they will have to be left somewhere." He said.

I was not willing to leave them behind and I knew they would be obedient so I nodded my head and threw a few things into my purse. Clothes and makeup I could replace later but my vitamins and medications I needed to take every day I took. I also grabbed my iPod, some dog food and the dogs' bowls. I could replace their beds as well. With one last glance around the room in the dark I went to the window and quietly watched as Keevan slid it open and then dropped the sash removing the entire pane from the frame. The camera outside was pointing right at the window where he stood and I motioned toward it. He shook his head and drawing his finger across his throat indicated he cut that camera off. He seemed to have thought of everything. I was placing my life into his hands alone now and I hoped I was making the right choice. We climbed through the window and stuck close to the house till we came to the rear corner. Keevan put a finger to his lips and then drawing his gun peered around the corner. The tree line was less than fifteen feet away but it may as well have been ten miles for there was nothing to hide behind between here and there. I was carrying Sheena and had Yip on his leash. They were staying very quiet as well. Keevan gestured to me to get on the ground. I squatted where I stood and waited to see what he would do next. He slid around the corner to the back side of the house and out of my line of sight. My first instinct was to get up and follow. It was frightening here alone. But I stayed right where I was, clutching Sheena to my chest and pulling Yip close to my side. They were a great source of comfort and security in those moments waiting for Keevan.

In a few minutes he reappeared around the corner of the house. He had his gun still in hand but at his side instead of drawn. The led me to believe he felt it was safe now. Motioning me with his other hand he grabbed my arm and we began running across the open stretch of grass. It was dark and the moon was in its last phase so we had some cover there which was good because the grass afforded us none.

We reached the safety of the trees in a matter of seconds that seemed like hours and Keevan pulled me close and said, "Not too much farther to the car now. Are you ok?"

I nodded my head and he took my hand and led me through the trees heading south toward the car. I followed his steps as closely and as quietly as I could. It felt like we were making a racquet to me with every step but no alarm had risen from the farmhouse.

We reached the edge of the woods in about ten minutes and there in the tall grass just outside the trees sat the car he had told me about. He motioned for me to stay and slipped out of the woods to the car. He disappeared under the car for a moment and then popping back out opened the doors and searched the car thoroughly. I guess he was making sure no one had found the car while it was sitting here and booby-trapped it or put a tracking device on it. Once he finished his inspection of the car he slipped back over to the trees and picking Yip up grabbed my hand and led me to the car. We slid in quickly putting the dogs in the back seat for safety. He did not start the car though. He took it out of gear and giving it a slight push jumped into his seat and coasted down the hill with the car off. He steered the car down the road silently. Once we reached the bottom of the hill he started the car and turned on to the main road. He still had his lights off and kept them off for about ten miles. There were not any other vehicles on the road and all I could see was blackness and trees on either side of the road. Once he turned on the headlights I could tell we were on a back road highway. I had no idea where, or even where we were headed. We both had been absolutely silent during this whole time. The dogs had drifted off to sleep in the back seat.

Keevan glanced over at me and said, "You should try to get some sleep too. We have a long way to drive and I don't want you to be exhausted."

"Where are you taking me?" I asked. "Are you kidnapping me or protecting me?

"Lilly, don't you trust me?" Keevan asked. "I am looking out for you. I would never hurt you. Once you have rested I will have plenty of time to fill you in on everything. Just trust me. Please?"

I knew I had to trust him. I had no other choice right now. "Ok," I said, "But I expect full details when I wake up. Understand?"

"Yes, you will get your details, Lilly. Now Sleep" He ordered.

I curled into the seat and as much as I could tried to get comfortable. Closing my eyes I drifted off to the hum of the tires on the asphalt highway and the beat of my heart in my ears.

Chapter 43: Chapter 43 On the Road

Chapter 43

On The Road

At some point we left the two lane highway and joined the traffic flowing south on Interstate 95. I woke to the lights of a gas station glaring in my eyes as we stopped to refuel the car. Blinking and looking around I realized Keevan had taken the dogs out of the car as well and was allowing them to walk around on the small patch of grass to the side of the stations pumps. He had chosen the farthest pump from the store with this in mind I suppose. He always seemed to think three steps ahead of everyone else. I sat up and stretched my sore limbs as best I could and considered getting out of the car. About that time Keevan looked over at me and shook his head emphatically. He headed back to the car quickly and rushing the dogs into the back slid into the front seat.

"Too many eyes here, Lilly." He said. We will stop a little further on for food and relief. I am sorry you can't get out here but it's for your own safety. "

I was a little miffed with him for not allowing me to get out and stretch my legs but I didn't really need to use the restroom or feel hungry now anyway. I was a little thirsty but that was all. As if he read my mind Keevan reached into the back and grabbed a cold bottle of water and handed it to me.

"You think of everything don't you?" I teased.

Grinning he said, "Yep! That's my job."
He started the car and we pulled out of the station and on to the highway heading south. I sat quietly sipping my water for a few minutes then I cleared my throat and asked, "Where exactly are we going, Keevan?"

"We are going south to Key West." He replied. "Once we get there we will be taking a small plane to the lovely island of Jamaica. There you will be safe."

"Jamaica? How will I be safe there?" I asked. "Are you some drug kingpin whose been posing as a FBI agent and now you've kidnapped me and you are dragging me off to your island hideaway?"

I said all this quite jokingly but there was a little seriousness in the questions I asked. I had to know. Was I being a fool to trust him? Was I letting myself in for a big disappointment?

"You have a very vivid imagination, Lilly." He laughed. "I think you have watched too many television shows dramatizing the crime that goes on in the world today. To answer your questions first you can trust I am not a drug kingpin or whatever you called it and I am on the side of the law here. My main goal is to protect you from harm. There is a safe house in Jamaica that is only known to three people. The director, myself and the President of the United States. It is where we take the most sensitive witnesses for protection. As far as the islanders know they think it is a vacation home for some rich oil baron and he rents it out to different people during the year. It will appear as if we are just another couple on vacation escaping the doldrums of late spring in the northern areas of the US. I have passports and all the things we need right here. I picked up some basic necessities in the gas station like tooth brushes, soap etc. Anything else you need I can pick up either in Key West or Jamaica. Once we get to Jamaica you will be freer to roam the beaches as well. The house where we will be is secluded. "

"Will we be alone? Just you and me?" I asked

"Yes, we will," he said, "But you don't have to worry I will not do anything to bother you. You can have your own side of the house and I will stay in my side of the house. Is that ok with you?"

"You don't have to go to that extreme," I told him. "But I do value some privacy. I guess we can play it by ear. Right?"

"Right." He replied.

We traveled for a few more hours in relative silence. By the time the sun was coming up we found ourselves approaching Key West and needing to stop for refreshment , gas , and relief. Keevan found a rest stop first with a little restraint and gas statin located right next to it. We went in to the rest rooms first. I took a few minutes to change my shirt and freshen up a little before meeting him back out front. This seemed to be a pet friendly area so we brought the dogs with us as we headed over to the restaurant. They had an outdoor dining area and we chose seats there. The dogs lay quietly at our feet. When the server came out to take our order we asked for some water for the dogs as well. I had some of their food and a bowl in my purse so I set that on the floor for them. The server brought us the water along with our drinks and we ordered some breakfast. For some reason I was famished and ordered a lot of food. I had no idea how Keevan was paying for this, I had no money with me. I could not use my bank cards either as those would be traceable. It really did not matter much to me though, I was hungry.

As we ate Keevan tried to keep a conversation rolling by asking me questions about what I wanted to know about him. I felt a bit awkward at first but as I relaxed the questions began to flow.

"Tell me about yourself," I said, "Tell me where you came from, what kind of childhood did you have before the tragedy of your mother's death? What do you like to do in your spare time, besides go to school?" the last was said somewhat teasingly as I knew he had three degrees already.

"Well," He began, "Let me begin with my origins. I came from my mother and father. "

This made me laugh and I knew he was trying to lighten the mood. I felt such gratitude for that effort.

"In all seriousness though some of this I have already told you that night you came to the house. But for the sake of continuity I will repeat some it."

He then launched into the story of his life. As I sat there listening to the cadence of his voice flowing over and around me like a stream of water so pure and fresh, I felt a steady peace flowing through my soul. His story was very much peppered with humor and he skated over the tragic events he had told me of before. He also told me of his college days and how he had studied law first. He had been in college a few years when his father had passed and he had inherited the house on the beach next to mine. He was not ready at that time to go back there to live so he had rented it out for several years. He told me how he had finished his law degree in half the time it normally took to complete so he had decided to seek a second career. Just in case he got tired of practicing law. So he got a business degree.

I asked him if he had ever been married or had a significant other. He told me that when he was in college studying for his business degree he had been in love with the most beautiful girl in the world. Sadly, he told me, she loved someone else. He had kept his distance and when graduation came and he left the school he lost track of her. He had heard several years later that she had married and decided to stay single himself for he had felt his love for her was the first and last he would ever feel. It made me feel sad for him that he had suffered alone in his unrequited love. I inquired if he had ever told her of his feelings for her and he said that he had not. He told me he had no wish to interfere with her happiness and by all appearances she was happy with the other man and very much in love with him.

We had sat there eating and talking for the better part of two hours and the dogs were beginning to get restless as was the server for us to get up and go. Keevan paid the bill with cash and leaving a generous tip for our server on the table we left the restraint and walked along the park area of the rest stop. There was a soft breeze blowing and the sun was fully up now and burning off the morning dew. It was promising to be a beautiful Florida day but I knew we would not be here long enough to enjoy it. I was somewhat surprised we had tarried here this long. I guessed it had something to do with the flight times and our destination. We strolled along allowing the dogs to run a bit and stretched our legs too.

Soon Keevan said, "It is time for us to get moving again. Our plane departs in one hour."

Chapter 44: Chapter 44 Jamaica

Chapter 44

Jamaica

Reluctantly I followed him back to the car and securing the dogs in the rear again and throwing my purse on the seat I climbed into the driver's seat. Keevan looked at me with one brow raised in surprise and said, "Just what do you think you are doing?"

"I am driving ." I told him. "You need to rest a little so you just tell me how to get to the airport and then take a little nap while I drive."

He was not having any of that though and ordered me to get out saying he would be fine until we got to the place in Jamaica. He told me he was not tired, which I did not believe, and he ordered me out of the car. Rather reluctantly I obeyed. Sliding over to the passenger side I gave him the driver's seat. He smiled then, that wonderful charming smile of his, and starting the car pulled out of the parking lot.

I decided if Keevan was not going to let me drive then I would at least turn on the radio. All the miles we had traveled I had chaffed for some music in the car. I reached up and flipped on the radio and started searching for some fun upbeat music. Keevan glanced over at me and nodding his head toward the radio said, " What do you like?"

"I have a mix of things I like it depends on my mood," I told him. "My mood right now is for something with beat and some drop to make my feet tap. So I guess the choice is dub-step. But I want some good hard stuff in there too. So is there a mix station you may be familiar with down here?"

Keevan reached up and flipped the dial to a station and said, "That should satisfy us both then."

He was right. The first song up was a great Dub- step and the next was a little more of a jazzy rock. Those were followed with a variety to keep any music lover happy. I sat back and lost myself in the music for the next thirty minutes while Keevan drove us to the airport.

When we arrived at the airport, which was a small municipal airport with just one runway, he drove straight out onto the tarmac and right up to a small plan that was sitting there idling. He hopped out of the car and ran over to the plane. Ducking down over under the blades he waved to some unseen person and steps mysteriously appeared and rolled up to the side as the door opened on the side.

Keevan ran back to the car and opened my door. He pulled me from the car and grabbing my hand on one side and the dogs on the other we dashed to the plane. He rushed me up the steps very quickly and closed the door behind me. He motioned for me to sit and he turned toward the cockpit and slipped into the pilot seat. Well here was something new. He was going to fly us. I was finding out things so quickly about him and the more I found out the more I liked him. He was a very intriguing man, that was certain.

We taxied quickly down the short runway and before I knew it we were airborne. I sat back in my seat and watched the coast drop away as we ascended into the morning sky rosy with the glow of sunshine and fluffy little clouds playing chase through the blue skies.

I found myself drifting off as we rose into the sky and my lids finally closed to sleep. I had not realized how tired I was. It had been a long few nights for all of us. As I slept I dreamed. At first me dreams were confusing and it seemed I was walking through a maze that I should know the path through but I was lost. Then the dream shifted and I was working on a jigsaw puzzle and no matter how I put the pieces they would not fit together. I was becoming frustrated in my dream as it began to shift again. Now I was running down a dark road and I was afraid. I had no idea why I was afraid but I was running as if my life depended on it. Suddenly in my dream a shape appeared in the road before me and I was trapped between what I was running from and this new danger. I began to panic that I had nowhere to go. Before me and behind me there were obstacles, to my left was a ditch to my right was a steep cliff. I was trapped. I began to scream. I woke myself with that scream. Keevan was holding me and soothing my hair. He seemed genuinely worried, but I was worried too! If he was here who was flying the plane? He noticed my glance to the front of the plane and said," Its ok I have her on autopilot it will fly true for a few minutes."

I relaxed into him then, letting him hold me and comfort me. My dream had been frightening and confusing. Soon my pulse slowed and the trembling stopped and I said, " I will be ok now. Please go fly the plane and get us back on solid ground."

Keevan said, "Ok we don't have too much longer before we land anyway. Do you want to come up front with me and sit in the copilot seat? You don't have to do anything just watch and get the bird's eye view from the front screens."

"That sounds like a good idea." I replied. I really had no desire to fall back asleep and I knew if I stayed back here alone the dream would haunt me and I would be miserable.

We moved to the cockpit together with Keevan slipping into the pilot's seat first then settling me into the other seat. He handed me a set of head phones and said, "Here, put these on. It will make it easier for us to communicate and you can also listen as I talk to the tower when we are ready to land. Buckle up and enjoy the view. If you want to talk or ask questions feel free to do so." The last was said with a mischievous grin and a wink of his eye. That look always seemed to make me smile. I flashed him a smile back and sat back in my seat to enjoy the rest of the ride.

It was a better view from up there in the cockpit I must admit , and as we flew over the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean I began to relax and feel a peace I had not felt since I had been forced to leave my home. I truly felt the most at peace and rest when I could see, smell and hear my beautiful ocean. Yes I know it was not really mine and never would be but I had claimed her like my child or a lover and she was my peace and fulfillment to be near her. Keevan glanced over at me several times but did not speak. Im sure he was attuned to the change in my mood as I was to his. As I felt more relaxed I could feel he was relaxing also and not worrying about me. I knew it was that bond we had formed before we even knew each other.

Soon we began to see some land masses down below and I could hear occasional voices over the headset that I guessed must have been the local towers as we passed into their airspace. Keevan was flying the plane so smoothly and it really appeared that he was almost asleep so relaxed was his posture. I spoke up and asked." How much longer till we reach Jamaica?"

Pointing to the left and down Keevan said. "See that island there? That is our destination. We will be landing in about fifteen minutes at a small airstrip on the south side of the island. I will do my best to make it a smooth landing but the strip is mostly dirt and gravel so it may be a little bumpy. Don't be afraid though, I know what I am doing and I have landed here many times before."

I looked where he was pointing and thought how tiny the island looked from up where we were but I knew it was a large island. I clicked the mike button like I had seen him do and said, "I will trust your word and not worry. I am not a skittish flyer but I appreciate the warning. " I said this with a smile to let him know I was not being snarky.

True to his word we began descent soon after that as he communicated with someone on the ground getting and giving codes and directions that made no sense to me. Soon I could see the runway down below us and just like he had said it was dirt and gravel and appeared to be coming at us very fast. I couldn't help myself I closed my eyes and clutched the sides of the seat, bracing myself for an impact. There was a small bump and I could tell we were on the ground as the plane decelerated it was a bumpy ride as Keevan had promised but he handled the plane beautifully and we taxied down the runway to the large hangar at the end without incident. I thought he would stop outside and we would disembark from the plane there but he drove the plane right into the hangar doors and someone closed them behind us very quickly. Then I remembered, we were supposed to be hiding and all the other things I was supposed to be afraid. For some reason I did not feel afraid here though. Maybe it was the sea, maybe it was the location, maybe it was Keevan. Maybe it was all of those things together. Whatever it was, the fear and anxiety I had felt before seemed to be gone. This definitely made it easier to think. My head got too mixed up when fear and anxiety get in there. I slipped from my seat and went to the back to get the dogs and my things while Keevan shut down the engine and secured the plane. He opened the door and jumped to the ground. I looked at him and said, " Do you want me to jump down too? I can but I am not sure about the dogs."

"No. " He replied, "wait there I will grab the ramp for you." Soon he returned with a small ramp and pushing it up to the door he came back up into the plane and took the dogs leashes and supplies and led them down the ramp. I followed with my bag. We walked quickly through the hangar to a small door at the end and opening it we found ourselves in a tiny office that was cluttered with papers and a desk too large for the room. Behind the desk sat a smallish man with sunglasses and a goatee. He had his feet on the desk when we entered but when he saw Keevan he dropped them to the floor and sat up straighter in his chair.

"Hello sir." He said. " I trust your flight was uneventful."

"Yes, It was." Keevan replied. "Did you get that car I asked you to find?"

"Yes sir!" The man said. "It is parked at the other end of the hangar just inside the doors as you requested."

"Thank you, Jefferson. I always appreciate your efficiency. I just wish it would extend to this office as well." Keevan said. I looked at Keevan and then at Jefferson and then back at Keevan and realized this was a conversation they had carried on many times and they were somewhat almost joking with each other. I was glad of that because I really did not like to see people being admonished by their superiors in public. I smiled at their joke and let it go at that.

Jefferson handed an envelope to Keevan then and Keevan looked inside. He nodded his head at Jeffferson and without another word turned to leave. I turned to follow, throwing a small wave back to Jefforson in politeness. We reached the door and as Keevan opened it again he said, "You done good, buddy. Thank you."

With that we left the office and walked along the hanger wall to the opposite end where, sure enough, there was an SUV sitting there. It was plain black with Jamaica tags and not brand new. I supposed having a brand new vehicle on this island would be too noticeable and we wanted to blend in.

We climbed into the car securing the dogs in the rear as we always did and he reached into the envelope and pulled out the keys. I had no idea what else was in there or if he was going to share it with me but I was curious. I figured I would give him some time to explain the contents of that envelope, which was quite fat even after the keys were removed, before I asked.

We pulled out of the hangar and across the runway to the road leading us out to the main road. The windows were tinted very dark. I knew this was a security measure and I also knew that the car was probably bullet proof as well.

"If you want to see whats in the envelope you can." Keevan said casually as if he could read my mind.

I looked at him with a bit of surprise and trying to cover my curiosity said, "What envelope?" He was not fooled by my act though. He laughed and said, "It was obvious you were dying to know what was in there. You watched me like a cat watching a mouse ever since Jefferson handed it to me. "

I knew he had me. Laughing along with him I said, "You are right. I am curious. But you know what they say about curiosity and cats, right?"

"Yes, I do, Lilly. "He said, "and even if you had nine lives like a cat I would not be willing to let you lose one of them." With that he handed me the envelope. I opened it up and looked inside. It was full to the very top and the first thing I could see was a stack of cash. I presumed that was to pay for our needs while we were here as again credit cards and bank cards and even ATM transactions were traceable. I pulled the money out of the envelope and lay it on the seat between us. I had no idea how much was there but it looked to be a very large amount. Under the money there were several things. First I saw another set of keys. Those must be for the house. Then I saw another smaller envelope. I removed this and the keys.I set the keys on the seat with the money and opened the smaller envelope. It contained documents. Passports, drivers licenses, and ID cards. The pictures on them belonged to Keevan and myself but the names were not our own. I looked at him, puzzled by the documents. "Why do we need false identification?" I asked

"It is a backup security measure." Keevan told me. "Just in case anyone asks questions we can show them this ID and it is not traceable or connected to our real identities at all."

"Is there something you are not telling me Keevan?" I asked. "This seems awfully extreme measures for a few weeks stay here."

"Lilly, I wanted to wait to tell you this till we got settled in our new location. Can you wait a few more minutes? We are almost there." Keevan asked.

The tone of his voice was so low and pleading I said, "ok, Ill wait but you better not put it off for too long."

" I wont." He said I set the envelope of documents aside and looked into the larger envelope again. There were only two things left in there and as they were smaller I tipped them out into my lap. The first item was a small box that looked like something jewelry would come in, the second item was a capsule.

I opened the box and found a gold chain with two plain gold bands attached to it. I was beginning to get the picture of what our cover story would be. It was going to be us posing as a married couple on vacation. The names on the documents had been the same last name. I glanced over at Keevan and his look was closed and unreadable. He was purposely closing me out, did that mean he was not happy about this ruse? Was the thought of even pretending to be married repulsive to him? I had felt the connection and I was sure he felt it too when we had kissed, but now, with him closing me out, I was not sure how he felt. I wished I had the ability to mask my feelings as well as he could. Of all the people I had ever known he was at times the most easily readable and at other times the hardest. I set the necklace and rings back in the box and placed it on the seat with the rest of the items. The capsule was small and I had a feeling I knew what it was as well. I had read enough spy stories and seen enough mystery movies to know that it was possibly a cyanide capsule. Why we would need that I did not want to discuss at all. I was realizing this had become way more dangerous than I had ever imagined.

I replaced the items one by one into the larger envelope and lay it on the seat next to me. I did not say anything else but decided it could wait until we arrived.

Chapter 45: Chapter 45 Safety?

Chapter 45

Safety?

Soon , just as Keevan had promised, we pulled up to a gate with a keypad mounted by the side of the road Keevan punched in a code and the gates opened. We drove through and they closed behind us. We drove down a long winding path lines with trees that formed a canopy over the path shading it from the sunlight and dappling the ground with little dancing beams that snuck through the twisting branches. I did not know what kind of trees these were but decided right then I wanted some over my drive at home as well. This thought mad me a little sad but soon I was caught up in the scenery around us as we got closer to the house.

We came around a bend in the drive and it seemed like suddenly the trees opened up and there was beautiful sunlight shining down on one of the most beautiful structures I had ever seen in my life. It was magnificent in its simplicity. There were two floors and the sun on its gabled roof reflected from its coral tiles creating a rose-tinted glow around the house. The yard was simple without structured gardens it just had a flower bed running along the front and side of the house. It was filled though with exotic bloom of which I did not know the names. One I did recognize was Bird of Paradise and the plants were as tall as me and the blooms larger than my hand. I had never seen one this big before and they were beautiful. Everything was neat and tidy but not overly done. The oak door shone with polish and the sun. Keevan stopped the car in front of the house and turned it off. I sat in wonder and stared at the house. I hoped it was as beautiful inside because I had a feeling we were going to be here a lot longer than I had thought originally. Keevan got out of the car and opened the door to let the dogs out, giving them the signal it was ok to run. He came around to my side and opened my door for me. I was not waiting for or expecting this but it was nice to be treated with such respect. That is one thin Mark had stopped doing when we got married. He was nice to me but he stopped the little things that he had done to woo me. The gentlemanly gestures, like opening doors for me, offering me his jacket when I was cold, the little things. I had made excuses for him saying he was busy trying to get our clinic started and then he was too busy to think about it because we had so many patients. I had made so many excuses for his poor behavior that I had begun to believe my own lies. I was so blind because I chose to lie to myself to keep from feeling hurt.

When Keevan had opened the door on his side I had gotten my first whiff of the ocean air. It was a heady scent and was filling my head now as he opened my door. I inhaled deeply and felt such a cleansing. The salt air and the sandy sun smell. Those were life to me. I stepped out of the car and lifting my head toward the sun I stood there with my eyes closed taking in the sounds and smells of this place. It was exhilarating! I almost forgot Keevan was there as I reveled in the feelings overpouring me right then. Keevans voice brought me back just before I began to twirl around like a fool.

"Lilly?" He said, "Are you all right?"

"Oh, I am more than all right!" I said. This is what I needed, to see and smell the ocean." Everything gets balanced when I am able to do that. This is one of the most wonderful places I can be. Thank you!"

"You don't have to thank me, Lilly." He said. "I hope you feel that way if we end up staying here for a very long time."

That brought me back down to earth very quickly and turning to him I said, "I guess we need to get inside right?"

He nodded and grabbing the rest of the stuff from the car we headed up the steps to the house. The dogs followed us without having to be called and we opened that he solid oak door with the keys in the envelope and the code he somehow knew and entered the foyer of the house. After the bright sunlight outside, despite the large arch window above the door, the foyer seemed a bit dark and gloomy. Keevan flipped on a light switch in the foyer and then proceeded to check the rest of the ground floor, I assumed for any unexpected company, turning on lights as he went. I followed him until we reached the kitchen. It was a large kitchen with sliding doors lining the entire rear wall. It was what was outside those doors that captured my eye. This side of the house faced directly to the ocean and I could see it tumbling on to the sandy beach about fifty yards away. I could see the dunes dropping down to the shore line like little hillocks of life teeming with vegetation and small animals. The raw untouched beauty before me was astounding. It was nothing like our built up dunes on the east coast of Florida that were planted with sturdy plants to reduce erosion and protect the homes and businesses that had been built right upon the shore. Not to mention the condominiums and hotels. This was raw and just the way God had made it. I was overcome with joy with this view and knew I would be spending as much time as possible here in this room of the house.

Keevan had finished his tour of the house, upstairs and downstairs, and returned to the kitchen where I still stood looking out at my beautiful ocean in awe. He must have seen the love and longing in my eyes for he walked over to the sliders and motioned for me to follow him out. I followed him out on to a small deck behind the house where there were chairs and table with an umbrella over it. The cushions on the chairs were fluffy and inviting and he gestured for me to sit. I gladly agreed and sat so I was facing down toward the water. Keevan sat next to me so he did not block my view. He thought of those kind of things without me even asking. I was beginning to think he could read my mind.

We sat there for a few minutes just looking out at the ocean in quiet, peaceful commune. Eventually Keevan reached over and put his hand on mine which were folded on the table.

"Lilly, when you are ready, we need to talk." Keevan said softly.

Chapter 46: Chapter 46 Talking

Chapter 46

Talking

I knew this talk was inevitable and I did need him to answer my questions. I reluctantly pulled my gaze from the ocean and said, "Now is as good a time as any."

Turning his chair slightly so he was facing me more squarely he cleared his throat and began;

"The first thing you should know, Lilly, is that I will not force you to do anything. You are free to make your own choices unless it is your safety at risk. You are at great risk now, and that is why we had to take these extreme measures. You see, we had an enemy within our walls back there. They had almost fooled all of us. If it had not been for the sharp eye of Officer Findlay we would all be dead. " Keevan began. "Unfortunately, that keen eye cost him his life."

I looked at Keegan aghast, and my eyes began to tear. I had come to like Officer Findlay.

Keevan said," I grieve for his family, as well and we are supporting them and in their time of loss. We were able to determine who the traitor was. I had worked out almost all the details when they tried to get the jump on me. I had to think fast, and the day we left the house, the shots you heard in the control room were me having to use blunt force to stop them."

"Who was it?" I asked querulously. "Did you have to kill them? If you did then why are we running away?"

Keevan looked down and with a sad expression and he said, " It was Cara. And yes I had to kill her to get out of that room. Believe me when I tell you I did not want to but she forced my hand. It breaks my heart knowing she was a traitor when I thought she was my friend all these years."

"Why? Why would she do such a thing?" I asked

"I don't know why." Keevan answered. "Money? Greed? Power? She didn't really have the chance to tell me the answer to that question. I did not have time to even ask it of her so quick was her attack. I was put in a kill or be killed situation.. There are other agents back home investigating her more thoroughly to see if we can find out how long she had been rouge.. She had set up for that man you saw me shoot out in the front yard to come there and murder us all and burn the house down. Officer Findlay had accidentally caught part of a communication she had from the control room in the house with that man and he had watched her closely to see if he could discover who the man was. He saw her one night sneaking out to the road up at the top of the drive and followed her. He saw her meeting with a group of the very men we are trying to capture with this whole charade. He also saw just who she had been talking to from the control room. He sacrificed his life to get that information to me. I owe him a great debt. "

This news was very saddening to me. I could tell everything that had happened also had a deep impact on Keevan as well. His trust in Cara, whom he thought to be a friend , had not only been violated but, in the end, had forced him to be the one responsible for ending her life. He must have carried a heavy burden of pain and guilt since we left that place and my heart went out to him. I reached over and drew him into a hug. Here he was explaining things to me, trying to comfort me and protect me, and he was hurting deep inside. For a moment he resisted, but then he put his arms around me and let his head drop to my shoulder. He shuddered once and I was not sure if he was weeping, but I remained quiet and just held him.

He finally raised his head, and drew away. I could see that he had tears in his eyes but had not shed them yet. I did not judge him. He would weep when he was ready. I may never see it but he would.

He sat back and folding his hands around mine he said, "You understand. I don't know how, but I know you understand, and that means the world to me. Now to finish my tale."

Taking another deep breath he continued, "Once Cara and her friend from the mob were dead I knew I had to get you out of there as quickly as possible. I had no idea who else was with them. Officer Findlay was already dead, as well as Cara. I could not risk you being hurt, or killed. I immediately set into action my backup plan. That plan included us coming here. I knew I would have to bring you myself. I had no idea who else may have worked with Cara within the agencies involved. Those that were supposed to safeguard you were all suspects now.. At the same time that all of this was going on at the safe house an attempt was made on Marks life in the prison. He is now in critical condition but the doctors expect him to pull through."

I must have looked a bit shocked and worried at this news because Keevan said, "Don't worry, he will pull through. I know it's scary stuff."

"Oh really, I am not worried. Mark was always tough. It's just no matter how evil I know he is I wouldn't want him to die." I said.

"I know, Lilly." Keevan said. "It is ok. He will pull through and we will find the group responsible for drawing him into their criminal activities and nail him to the wall. Mark was surprised to find out that Mr. Nance was not who he thought he was. He was taken in by Mr. Nance act as well, and as you saw Mr. Nance was working for the mobsters as an inside man. . That's how they found out so quickly Mark was going to turn states evidence. Mark will have to find a new lawyer to represent him in the future trials that are sure to come as former clients are suing him."

I thought to myself, Mark has a very bleak future ahead of him. I actually felt sorry for him. Not that he deserved my sympathy, or for that mater even, my pity, but I did feel sorry for him.

Chapter 47: Chapter 47 Pretend or Real

Chapter 47

Pretend or Real

"So," Keevan continued, " I whisked you away and that brings us here. I do not know how long we will have to stay but at least you will have the ocean here and some freedom. We will have the guise of a married couple by the rings you saw, which you can wear on the chain if you do not want to put it on your finger, and the fake papers. You Have your own private suite upstairs and I will be remaining downstairs. I will give you all the privacy I can while here. The kitchen has been stocked with things you had put on your list at the old place and some other interesting items I found as well. I tried to get as much here as I could to make you comfortable. I know you had to leave a lot behind and if I can replace it I will. You can walk on the beach any time during the daylight hours that you wish. I will have to restrict the night hours as there are too many fishing boats out at night that if they see you might be tempted to come check things out. This is a private beach and there are barriers at either edge of the property line but it doesn't always stop the fishermen from docking down there. I have signs posted no trespassing. Let's hope that keeps them away. There are many other security measures in place that I don't have time to tell you about but as long as you stay in the area behind the house or in the house you should be safe. If you need anything just let me know and I will get it for you. I am available to you twenty-four hours a day if you need to talk or have a question, for anything."

I had been sitting quietly listening to Keevan explain all this to me and watching his face and eyes with the truth written there. It was as if his words did not need to be said though because I already knew in my heart what was happening here. I was shocked and hurt at the betrayal of Cara and Mr. Nance, and saddened by the loss of Officer Findlay. Seeing the pain of these things in Keevans eyes magnified my own. I quietly nodded my head and said, "I understand." Just those two words. That's all I said, but he knew I meant more than just his instructions. He knew I meant that I understood him, how he felt, his pain and sorrow at the betrayal of a friend.

He gave me a long look straight into my eyes that spoke volumes without him uttering a word and then said, "You are a treasure, Lilly, and I am going to do everything in my power to protect you. Your life is valuable beyond this stupid trial and capture of the criminal and I hope once this is over to show you exactly how much I value you for who you are."

I did not look away when he said these words. My typical reaction would have been to look away and say or think he was lying to me but I did not do that. I looked right back at him and said. " I hope so too."

He smiled at me with that wonderful smile of his and put his arms around me hugging me closely. I returned the hug and after a few moments we broke away and he rose from his chair. "If you want to stay here or walk down on the sand it is fine with me. I have some things to take care of inside and then we can prepare for dinner. Who is cooking tonight?" He said.

"I will cook if you would like me to." I said.

Keevan said, "If you would like. You are a much better cook than I and you have a lot more things you can cook as well. If I cook it's pretty much spaghetti, hot dogs and beans, or hamburger helper."

I laughed at this and told him I would take care of supper and it definitely would not be any of those choices. He went into the house then and I turned to watch the ocean for a while. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted and needed to recharge my batteries. Looking at my beloved ocean and feeling her cool breezes blowing up over the sand and across my face was the medicine I sought. This journey had just begun and it would be and indefinite amount of time before it ended. I would need this place to recharge often. I was grateful to Keevan for considering this as the place to bring me. He knew somehow that I needed to be close to the sea. He was sensitive to my needs like no other human being had ever been before. This is how I knew he was my soul mate. That one person in the world who you search for that knows you without you telling them. The one who sees your need before you can. As I began to open my heart to him I was beginning to see him as well and the feelings that were overtaking me were almost as powerful as a drug. I knew I had to be careful. I was not sure he had come this realization yet and I could not make the first moves or move too quickly with my response to his actions. I would have to let him reach the conclusion that I had first. When that time came I decided I would give myself to him completely.

Chapter 48: Chapter 48 A Paradise of Our Own

Chapter 48

A Paradise of Our Own

The knowledge that I would and could even consider giving myself to another man ever gave me sense of freedom and peace that, given my present situation, I should not be experiencing. I cannot explain my feelings, nor why I had them. I just knew I was going to be ok. Keevan and I settled into somewhat of a regular routine very quickly. He would rise before me and get the coffee going. I would usually awake to the smell of coffee and some sort of breakfast cooking. His favorite was flap jacks with lots of maple syrup. I would usually eat just one or two. Some days he made toast and soft boiled eggs, others he made bacon, eggs, and grits. He did not really have a set pattern except that he made me hot chocolate every morning. He knew I didn't drink coffee but loved the aroma. He also knew my weakness for chocolate.

Spring was burning into summer very quickly and we were still here on this beautiful paradise. I did not ask Keevan very often how much longer. In reality I was becoming used to living here with him in this beautiful place. It was peaceful and I was able to relax and enjoy the things around me. I had taken to walking down on the shore every morning after breakfast, I couldn't let all those calories go to my waistline you know. Some days Keevan would join me and we would walk in silence for the most part communing with nature and listening to the voices of the sea. Some mornings I walked alone. On those mornings I would often stop and gather little shells that caught my eye and put them in a small knapsack I carried to bring back to the house with me. Some mornings it was too rainy to walk along the shore and I would sit up on the patio under the umbrella and watch the many facets of the storm as it passed by. Storms did not last long there in our island paradise and the sun always came out again. I was content.

True to his word, Keevan did not pressure me to do, say, or be anything that I didn't want to be. When we would walk on the sand he would take my hand sometimes, but other times he seemed to be able to sense I did not want him to take my hand. I was still being cautious with him although I knew I could trust him completely with my life and my love a small part of me kept holding back. I needed time. I could not rush into this and he accepted and understood. I wore the fake ring on the chain around my neck. I could not bring myself to put it on my hand. If and when we became one that would be the time to wear the ring. He followed suit and wore his on a chain as well. The only time I saw him put it on his hand was when he went into town to get supplies. I suppose it was to ward off any suspicion he did this and I did not bear him a grudge for doing that. He would return from these weekly trips and carefully replace the ring on its chain around his neck.

I spent many hours knitting, reading, and began crafting jewelry from the shells I had gathered along the shore. On one of Keevans trips into town I requested him to find me a jewelry making kit. I don't know where he found it but he brought me back the largest kit I had ever seen. There were enough finings and turnings in there to make jewelry for a very long time.

In the evenings as the sun was making its way toward the western horizon I would make our dinner. I tried to put as much variety into my menu as possible without overdoing things. I wanted Keevan to enjoy his meal. I made a point to keep our meals healthy and light as well. If we were going to eat big hearty breakfasts then I felt our dinners must be sensible. If we ate lunch it was usually every man, or woman, for themselves. I typically did not eat lunch as it took me most of the day just to digest and work off my breakfasts. I would not complain though, as Keevan was willing to make that morning meal so I could sleep in. I would serve dinner on the back patio or in the sun room at the back of the house where we could watch the sun setting in all its magnificent glory. Watching as the sky tuned from blue to orange to red to purple and black while we ate and talked. This time was my favorite time of the day. We both put aside everything else and talked. He told me of his family. He told stories of his and his sibling's antics as children that I was sure kept his mother very busy. He told me about all the places he had been through the years of his time with the bureau. He told me of his college years studying law, and how he had so many dreams and goals as a young man. He lamented that he had not reached many of them though. I told him he had much to be proud of himself about and he had the grace to actually blush. He was often a contradiction of emotions. Bold, yet shy, Playful, yet serious, gentle, yet strong. The more we talked the more I fell in love with him. He would ask me about my life and things that I had done. I shared many of my life's dreams and heartaches openly with him. I did not try to deceive him about who I was or what I had been through. He asked me about Mark and how we had met. The first time he asked I told him I was not ready to talk about Mark yet. He did not push me but moved on to tell me about himself. The next time he asked I opened up and told him how I had loved Mark with all my heart and how I had trusted him completely. I told him of Marks betrayal and defection. I tried my best not to cry as I told him these things and for most of the recitation of the story I looked down instead of into his face. I knew if I looked into his eyes and saw pity it would be my undoing. I did not want him to pity me, I wanted him to understand me and know I was trusting him with my deepest pains. When I neared the end of my sordid tale I did break down and cry and he got up from his chair came around the table. He knelt in front of me and put his arms around me pulling me close. I let him do this and leaned into his embrace. I let the tears flow freely then and sobbed for the girl I had been that would never be again. I sobbed for the lost dreams and the hopes that had been thrown away that day Mark left me. Keevan let me cry. He did not judge me, he did not try to tell me all those placating things people like to say when you are hurting. He just held me. Stroking my head and back ever so gently, as I sobbed.

It seemed I had been sobbing for quite a while there on his shoulder but the sun was still above the horizon. I leaned back finally from his shoulder and wiping my face I looked into his face and saw the most touching thing I had ever seen. He was crying too. His tears were flowing down his face unashamedly and he did not try to hide them from me. His eyes were looking straight into mine and I could see the deep sorrow he felt for my pain and heartaches. He was not even responsible for them and he felt more sorrow that I had been hurt that the man who had hurt me so deeply. He reached up and gently wiped the tears from my face as I did the same for his. We were staring deeply into each other's souls and I saw the purest, rawest emotion I had ever seen in my life.

Keevan stood up and taking my hand led me to the couch. We could still see the ocean from the sofa and watch the rest of the sunset if we wished. He sat down with me on the sofa and drew me back into his arms. I leaned against his chest so strong and lay my head on him listening to his heart beat as he held me. He did not speak for a very long time. I sensed he had something to say but I did not push. I waited. I knew instinctively that when he was ready he would speak. We watched the blazing colors of the sky as it changed and deepened its hues to a deep purple then black. We watched as the moon rose over the horizon with its glowing face smiling out at us. It cut a path across the water like a golden street beckoning us to come walk out upon it.

Finally Keevan spoke. "Lilly, I cannot tell you how much or how deeply your pain has touched me. The most painful part is, you see, I could have saved you some of that heartache."

I sat up abruptly and looked at Keevan sharply. "What do you mean by that?" I demanded

"Please, Lilly, don't be angry with me." He begged. "I must tell you a little story. "

I sat up and turned so I was looking directly into his face and said, "Go on?"

"You remember I told you how when I was in college I had met a girl and I felt I loved her?" He asked.

"Yes, I remember that story. " I said. "You told me she loved another guy and you left her alone and did not pursue her."

He nodded his head and said, "That's right, Lilly. But what I didn't tell you was that beautiful girl was you."

"Me? But how? I don't remember ever meeting you before!" I exclaimed.

"Calm down now and I will tell you what happened." Keevan soothed. "You see I was in my third year of law school and I was determined to finish early so I could get out there and start making a difference. I had been elected as my class president the previous year but had turned down the position in my efforts to concentrate on school and graduating early. I volunteered that semester though to help with matriculation of incoming freshmen. I was set up at a table handing out dormitory assignment and information sheets. A fairly nondescript job but needful work. I was sitting there minding my own business when the most beautiful woman I had ever seen stepped up to the table and shyly asked, 'Is this where I find out what dorm to go to?' I sat there stunned by her beauty and poise despite her shyness. Finally I found my voice and told her that this was the place. I flipped through the stacks of papers to give her all of the proper sheets she needed for finding her rooms and when I looked back up there was a young man standing next to her. Someone I recognized instantly. He was the one who had been elected as class president when I had turned down the nomination. He gave me a look that was hard and meaningful so I handed her the papers and looked away. I wanted to stare at her forever but not with him standing there. He took her arm and practically dragged her away from my table. That woman was you, Lilly. The man, well you know, that was Mark. He had staked his claim before you even got registered in college and I was not one to stir up trouble either. I could not get you out of my mind though. Your beauty and poise had captured my mind and heart. I found myself looking for you on campus every chance I got. I would catch glimpses of you here and there but I always tried to stay in the background because Mark was with you almost everywhere you went. "

I remembered now that day. I also remembered how proprietary Mark had always been with my time and attention during our college years and even after we had married, He had always expected me to be at his beck and call but there had been many times he had not been there for me. And those times I had not known how to even get ahold of him because he had told me he did not have to account to me for his whereabouts. The inequity of our marriage had been unseen by me for so long I had accepted it as the norm. "Why didn't you try to talk to me?" I asked. Although I probably already knew the answer.

"Unfortunately, Lilly, I was very shy when it came to women and relationships. I had not had many dates in my life at that time and had only had one relationship that failed miserably because of my inability to communicate. I was afraid of Mark as well. The look he had given me that first time I saw you was full of threat and danger. He was a very hard man even back then. He had a reputation of being someone who would stop at nothing to get his point across. It had even been rumored he bought his way to the class presidency. There were no facts to support it, but it was believed by many. I was not going to find out. It was also well known on campus that you were his girl and no one better try to challenge that. One fellow had stood up to him once and told him he was going to ask you for a date and Mark told him if he did he would not walk for a very long time. I suspect he had mob connections even back then. I watched you from afar and it appeared to me you were very much in love with Mark, at least the Mark he let you see as he was very different around you than he was around the rest of the students, and felt I had no chance to even get you attention much less be able to talk to you. I bent my head to my studies and pined for you in my secret heart. I graduated in a couple years' time and moved on to the next phase of my life. I never forgot you though. I fell in love with you the day I met you and I have never loved another woman. Sure I have dated and had some close friendships but my heart has always been yours."

Keevan finished his story and sat back on the sofa with a sad dejected look on his face. I could not help but think to myself, "Why is he telling me this now? Why did he wait so long? What does he expect from me?" I said to him, "You knew who I was before we even met? Why didn't you tell me then? Why did you hide the events of our first meeting from me that day we met on the beach? I dint understand why you would do that."

I was very confused. I knew the story he told me was true and I had been so blind to the person who Mark really was. I had been in love with the idea of being in love. I knew that now. I just did not understand, if Keevan had loved me way back then, why he did not fight for me.

"Lilly, please try to understand. " Keevan said. "I have told you of my family history and how my mother died at the hand of a white man. The awful things he said to her that day, the names he called her, and those are forever stamped in my memory. In those days mixed marriages were not as easily accepted as they are now. Even though my lineage is mixed racially most people perceive me as black. I had no intention of causing a commotion in college, my goal was to graduate and practice law to protect others from people like Mark and the man who murdered my mother. You were so taken with Mark I did not see that I had a chance. I see now I was a coward. Maybe if I had taken the chance and stood up to Mark I would have gotten a chance to know you better and I could have saved you all the heartache of the se last twelve years. I am so sorry I failed."

"Oh, Keevan, I am so sorry!" I said. "You did not fail. I see why you were hesitant to cause a stir. I can't hold that against you. I can't go back and change the past any more than you can. What's done is done and I have learned many lessons from it as I hope you have. What matters is now. We are here in this place now. The question we must ask ourselves is, where do we go from here?"

"That's a very good question and I think we both know the answer to that question." Keeva said. "I know how I feel, and I think I know how you feel. Am I correct?" He asked.

"Yes, Keevan, you are right. I love you. I have for some time now. I just kept fighting it. I think you had me from the moment on the beach when I looked into your eyes but I knew for sure when we were at the other safe house. There have been so many times when I just wanted to blurt it out but I did not trust my own gut and kept questioning whether you felt the same."

Keevans face was transformed with this statement and the biggest smile I had ever seen spread across his face. He threw his arms around me and pulling me up from the sofa wrapped me in a magnificent bear hug. His jubilancy was infectious and I felt so wonderful knowing he loved me as I loved him. I tilted my head back and said, "Will you say that again, Please?"

"Lilly, I love you! I have since the day we met and I will for all of eternity!" Keevan exclaimed.

"And I love you too Keevan" I said. With that he lowered his lips to mine and kissed me. He kissed me long and deeply. The passion and longing of years of waiting was in that kiss. I could feel his love washing over me like a wave of the ocean and filling me like the scent of the sea. I was happier in that moment than I had ever been in my life.

Chapter 49: Chapter 49Getting to Know You

Chapter 49

Getting to Know You

From that day forward we spent much of our time just resting in the love we had discovered in each other. Keevan still had his duties to perform to make sure our continued safety. He stayed in constant contact with the director of the FBI. He made weekly trips into town to buy supplies and always brought back some special treat or another for me. I spent the hours he was busy with his work crafting and creating and reading. Television had never held much importance in my life before and here in this place it held even less. Keevan kept abreast of the news about the things that were directly related to us and the trial coming up. There had been two extensions granted already and we were looking at it being winter before we would be able to return to the United States. The people working on the case back home had captured several of the key players in the organization, but the head haunch was still free. The net was closing in on him thanks in large part to Marks testimony. Mark had recovered nicely from his stabbing wounds and was kept in a special lockdown for his own protection. In many ways we were both prisoners but his prison was much lonelier than mine. I had Keevan and I had my ocean.

Keevan and I grew closer and every night he held me and kissed me and told me how much he loved me. We were not intimate yet and he would go to his own room while I went to mine. I wanted to go slowly and I was a bit old-fashioned about things. I felt he and I thought alike on this matter and wished to honor our relationship with the sanctity of marriage before we consummated our relationship. We had talked many times about moral values and standards of conduct with which we both had been reared. He was always a gentleman and though I knew his desire was as deep as mine to be as one we both respected the other and withheld ourselves from temptation. This afforded us the opportunity to get to know each other on an intellectual level first. We discussed many subjects on those blissful summer evenings. As the water warmed we would go for an evening swim together. I enjoyed the exhilaration of racing down the sand to the water's edge with him. Of course my idea of a swim and his idea of a swim were really two different things and as I swam with strong strokes out into the waves he carefully waded through the water dodging the waves by jumping over them. He did not like to let them wash over him and plunge into them like I did. I was ok with that though. After swimming out beyond the breakers I would wait for him to reach me. Usually by floating on my back. It didn't take him long to get there and then we would both float. He usually brought a board of some sort to float on. He did not have the trust or confidence in the water that I had. After our swim we would climb up on to the dunes and sit close on a beach towel looking out to sea and sometimes talking other times just sitting quietly. He would point out the different types of birds that were present and he knew the name of all the flora in the area. I soaked up the knowledge he shared. I loved listening to his voice as it lilted softly in that musical cadence of the south. I loved looking at his slim, athletic body as he lay there on the sand next to me. His skin was the color of dark caramel and his lean muscles were well toned. He had legs that were strong and looked like he had been a runner back in his younger days. I knew he used the gym in the back room every day as I did most days. We usually did not use it together though. One of those things I wasn't ready to share I guess.

We shared so much in those lazy days of waiting. Our past, our present, our dreams for the future. He had dreamed of a fairy tale romance as a young man but through the heart ache he had endured and then loosing me to Mark those many years ago, he had given up on that dream. Just as I had given up on my dream of a family when Mark had told me in no uncertain terms that he did not want children. I told Keevan how I had let many of my dreams go because Mark had convinced me they were foolish, or that they were not beneficial to us as a couple. I let some go because he simply laughed at them and made me feel I was living in a fantasy world. They had remained buried deep within me and as Keevan and I opened our hearts to each other I shared them with him. It didn't happen overnight but gradually. I told him how I had wanted to write many years ago and Mark had convinced me that going into veterinary medicine was more beneficial and would be more profitable as well. Blindly I had followed his advice. I love animals, don't get me wrong, and I loved being a vet. I was glad I had studied that course and I wanted to go back to practicing someday. But it was not my first choice of a career. I wanted to write. To put pen to paper and make the words come to life for readers of all ages. I had hidden most of my work away from Mark when he laughed at the things I had shown him. These were all things I told Keevan as we talked in the mornings and evenings.

Chapter 50: Chapter 50 More Trouble

Chapter 50

More Trouble

On one of his trips into town Keevan told me before he left that he may be gone longer than usual and he did not want me to worry. He had extra things to take care of and he had to go a bit farther than normal to get some supplies this time. He promised to return by dark if it was possible but if he was not here then not to panic and not to go outside. He instructed me whenever he left the house to stay indoors as much as possible and never to be outdoors after dark alone. I followed his instructions as I did not wish to have something happen that would uproot us from this place. I was becoming quite accustomed to our situation and schedule. I did not want to rock the boat.

Keevan left that morning right after breakfast and I watched the car as it bumped down the lane to the main road. I knew it was going to be a long day with most of it spent indoors. I locked the front door as Keevan had shown me to do when we first came here and headed back to my knitting needles and the recliner facing out towards the ocean. Even if I could not go down there today I could look at it. I could lose my vision in it. I got comfortable in the chair and pulling out my knitting I began to knit. I had turned on some mellow music to keep the atmosphere as calm as possible. I always felt a little insecure on the days Keevan went to town, and for some reason I felt a little more worried today. Maybe it was because the time appointed for the trial was drawing nearer and they were not any closer to capturing the ring leader than they had been four months ago. I feared there would be another delay and we would be waiting longer still. I enjoyed being here with Keevan and my dogs. We had a quiet and beautiful existence here. But I missed my own home and my own things. I missed the freedom to come and go as I pleased without worry that someone who wanted to kill me might see me. I missed being able to go to the store and walk up and down the aisles aimlessly until inspiration struck and I found something new to try. I missed my clothes, my towels, my vegetable garden, which by now I was sure had been dug under by the vermin and was bare of any vegetation at all. My fruit trees had probably dropped all of their precious jewels to the ground where they had rotted. The fence line and underbrush I had spent many hours clearing and trimming was probably overgrown and a tangled mess again. It would literally be starting all over again where the yard was concerned once I got home.

As I sat there knitting and thinking and listening to music I was only vaguely aware that a boat had pulled up onshore just over the dunes from the house. I didn't think a lot of it as the boats would anchor there just offshore and fish or trawl as they called it. I pretty much ignored the boat. It did seem a bit closer than the boats normally pulled but I figured that was because it was high tide and they would pull anchor before the tide went out.

About an hour later I looked up from my knitting and was surprised to see two men and a woman walking up the beach toward the house. Why would someone be coming here? No one even knew we were here save the director and the President of The United States. Had someone on the island seen Keevan and followed him here and now these three were here to kidnap me while he was gone? I jumped from my chair and ran to the room where Keevan kept all of his communication equipment. He had told me there was an emergency frequency phone I could use in there if something happened while he was gone. I punched din the code and swinging the door open I grabbed the phone and dialed the number. Keevan answered on the first ring. I was panicked and out of breath but I tried to explain about my visitors.

Keevan was very calm and said to me, "Lilly, you must calm down. You are safe as long as you stay in the house. Look at the back corner of the room there. Do you see the closet? Go over to it and open the door."

I did as he instructed walking to the other side of the room I opened the closet door there. A light came on and filled the small space.

Keevan said, "Ok, now got to the back of the closet and run your hand along the wall at eye level until you feel a small dip in the plaster."

I did this and when I found the dip I pressed down and a panel slid back that I had not seen there before.

"Now," Keevan instructed, "go down the steps into the hurricane shelter and at the bottom of the steps is another button that will close the panel. But before you do that go back and close and lock the door to the room and the closet. Once you get into the shelter call me back. I am heading there now."

I went back out into the room and glancing around the corner saw the trio had almost reached the dunes in front of the house. I closed and locked the door and running to the closet closed and locked it also. I dashed down the steps pushing the lever I saw at the bottom I heard the panel slip back into place. It was dark and I groped for a light switch. I couldn't find one so I began swinging my hands in the air, thinking there might be a cord to pull and activate the light. Finally my hand hit something and I was able to grab on to a sting hanging about two feet above my head. I pulled the string and a dim bulb above came on. In the dull light I could see that there was also a door at the top of the stairs that had closed parallel with the ceiling making this into a sealed box about ten feet by teen feet big. One wall was filled with shelved covered in emergency supplies. Water, blankets, batteries, food, kerosene lantern, and even some books. The adjacent wall had two air mattresses leaning against it. There was also a stack of linens on the shelves with pillows right next to it. The third wall had a small bucket and a camp toilet that was positioned under a curved rod with a shower curtain around it for privacy. Now I knew what Keevan had been doing all those hours he spent in his room alone. He had prepared this room well and I do not think he was worried about a hurricane when he did it. I think he wanted to be sure I was safe if anyone found us. I couldn't help but love him more for thinking of me and taking care of me so well. I was worried about him though. What would he be returning to? Would those people try to kill him? Was it fair I was safe in this shelter when he would be facing certain death? I did not want him to die. I remembered then I had not called him back. I dialed the number again and he answered on the first ring.

"Is that you, Lilly? 'He asked. The fear in his voice was obvious and I quickly answered him and said, "Yes, it's me, Keevan. I am in the shelter."

"Good!" He exclaimed. "Do not leave there for any reason. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand, but what about you? You will be in danger and I don't want you to get hurt." I said.

"Don't worry about me, dear Lilly, I will be fine. I will join you in the shelter in about one hour. No matter what happens, we will be together again. Trust me in this matter. OK?" He said.

"Keevan, I will trust you to keep your word. Please don't let me down and don't do anything dangerous. I could not stand to lose you now. I love you." I told him.

"I love you too, Lilly." Keevan said softly. "We need to disconnect now just in case they have been trying to track any communications. This channel is scrambled but I don't want to take a chance they can narrow your location down. Till I see you again my love."

With that he disconnected.

I slowly closed the phone and shut it off. Holding it next to my heart I went and pulled a mattress down from the wall and sat on it. I didn't care that it was cold and plastic I just thought about Keevans last words to me and clung to the assurance he would return to me safe and whole.

Chapter 51: Chapter 51 The Shelter

Chapter 51

The Shelter

I don't know how long I sat there like that, clutching the phone to my heart. I could hear only the silence in that room and the beating of my heart. I had no clue what was happening above me. I did not know if they had entered the house and were searching for me even now. Or maybe they were lying in wait behind the hedges to surprise Keevan when he returned. For all I knew they had watched us for a long time and knew he had left the house that morning. Finally I got up and went over to the shelves. I searched through the inventory and found some canned chicken and some pouches of rice. I also found some sweet and sour sauce. I decided to try to make a meal of sorts. First I took out the lanterns and placing them around the room I lit them. The room was brightened a bit by the extra light but the flames cast eerie shadows on the walls. I then lit the little gas stove and pulling a pan from the shelf I stirred up some sweet and sour chicken. I was waiting for that to heat so I rummaged around some more and behind the second mattress I found a folding table and two folding chairs. I pulled them out and set them up. I moved the stove to the table top to finish cooking. This was far easier than cooking on the floor. I found some paper plates and plastic utensils on the shelves. Placing those on the table I grabbed a water bottle from the shelf and sat down to eat. Just as I was spooning my food on to my plate the wall across from me began to move. I jumped back from the table in fear realizing I had nowhere to run. I hid behind the mattress as I watched the wall open up like a huge mouth. Once the wall had finished opening I waited but no one was there. What was going on? I was too afraid to come out of my hiding space so I cowered there waiting. After what seemed to me to be an eternity Keevan walked through the opening. Springing from my hiding place I threw myself at him. He caught me and held me for a moment and then setting me away from himself went over and flipped an unseen switch on the wall behind the shelf. The hole in the wall closed tightly and seamlessly. Keevan then turned back to me and said, "Are you all right?"

"Now that you are here, yes, I am fine." I told him.

"I can see you made yourself at home." He said. "Is that sweet and sour chicken I smell?"

"Yes it is." I replied. "Sit down and we will eat. Then you must tell me what in the world you have been doing. I thought you would never come back. "

"I promised you, didn't me, Lilly?" Keevan asked.

"Yes, you did." I said. "I am sorry I did not trust you completely. It was not really you I did not trust it was the unknown factor of the people up there I was afraid of." I said as I pointed to the house above us.

"It is ok, Lilly, I understand. You could not have known about the underground passage to this underground shelter because I never told you about it. I had hoped to never have a need for it."

Keevan told me.

I patted the table and said, "Sit down and eat something. You look famished. You can tell me your tale while we eat."

Keevan sat and I put him a plate and fork down I filled his plate with sweet and sour chicken and rice and placed a bottle of water in front of him. We sat down and began to eat. I waited for him to eat some and then begin his story.

"Well, for packaged food this sure tastes delicious!" Keevan said. "You can make corn flakes taste like doughnuts I bet!"

"I seriously doubt that." I replied rather shyly. I was not used to being complimented like that.

"Well, I think you are an excellent cook." Keevan said.

I blushed slightly and then, to turn the attention from myself I said, "Are you going to explain things any time soon?"

"Yes, I was getting there. " Keevan said. "You see, when we came here the shelter here was already in place. The stairs and door you came through had been installed by the builder as this area can be prone to high winds during hurricane season. The shelter is also water tight with an outside source of oxygen being pumped in and carbon monoxide is pumped out. It runs strictly on solar energy and is protected from flooding and wind. The entrance I used was added by me as a second measure of security. I have worked on it during the hours I have been off by myself. I just completed it a few days ago. That door leads to an underground tunnel that comes out about five hundred yards up the drive near the main road. It is well hidden and protected from flooding as well. That's why it took so long for me to come through the door here. I had to walk all the way down the tunnel first. There is almost no way that anyone can find us here. We are cut off from the outside world yes, but we are safe. No one can break in without using explosives. They would need to find the hidden doors first though. I assure you that is pretty near impossible. I am hoping they will search the house and leave thinking we ran away. They may try to wait us out though. I have place enough food, water and fuel in here to last us for a week. Let's hope we don't have to use it."

I agreed with him on that matter and I determined to settle in and wait out our opponent if we had to. I was not going to be a nervous Nellie and make Keevans job more difficult. It was time I grew up and stopped making everyone else have to be the strong one in every situation. I would do my part and support Keevan by being strong for him as well. We finished our meal and I cleared up the trash and threw it away. I wiped the pan I had cooked in with a rag I had dipped in a bucket of soapy water that had sat in the corner. Keevan really had thought of everything. I poured a little clear water from the five gallon jug over it to rinse the soap off and placed it on the shelf to dry. Keevan pushed the table to the side of the room where the steps led up and stacked the chairs on top of it. He dropped the other mattress down and I grabbed the sheets and pillows and we made up both mattresses together. It was very cozy in this room with two air mattresses, a table and two humans in it. I was not sure if Keevan expected me to sleep immediately or if he would allow me to read. Maybe he had something else entirely in mind. I waited for him to make the first move.

He looked at me and said, "I know this must feel as awkward for you as it does for me given the agreement we have made before. I want you to know I will hold to my end of that agreement. Thus the reason there are two beds in here. I cannot help that we must sleep in this small room together but I will give you as much space and privacy as you need."

With that he turned toward his bed and lying down, faced the wall away from me. I took the other mattress and lay down with my back to him as well. There was a whole two foot gap separating us but it felt like he was a lot closer. I had pulled a book from the shelves so I opened it and began to read. I could hear him breathing steadily and softly from his side of the room as I read. The soft rustle as I turned the pages sounded like a cannon blast in the quiet room. I was making the best effort I could to turn the pages quietly when Keevan spoke up and said, "Would you like some music or something? The walls are soundproof so if we turn something on quietly it won't be heard."

"That would be nice." I said. "But I don't want to disturb you if you want it quiet."

"No, that's fine. It bothers me more when I know you're trying to be super quiet because you think it will bother me if you make noise. " Keevan said.

I rolled over and laughed at that. "And here I thought I was being so considerate!" I jested.

He rolled over and looked at me and said, "You were being considerate. Too considerate. One of the reasons I love you dear Lilly."

The love in his eyes was clear and I wanted to reach across the space and hug him but I knew I would be putting him in an awkward place again if I did that. I tried to telegraph my love and gratitude back to him through my eyes and rolling back over I resumed reading my book. He flipped on a small cd player that seemed to be battery operated and soothing music began to flow and fill the room.

Chapter 52: Chapter 52 Patience

Chapter 52

Patience Is a Virtue

The music flowed around me and I was able to relax and picking up my book I began to read again. Soon I heard Keevans quiet snore coming from his side of the room and I was glad he had finally fallen asleep. It seemed like he was always doing without sleep while keeping watch over me. He must feel very secure here in out shelter. If he didn't feel secure surely he would not fall asleep so quickly would he? I kept reading until I drifted off as well. Being in that room with Keevan so close and the music flowing around me was comforting. I fell into a deep dreamless sleep and was awakened by the smell of coffee and chocolate. Keevan was up first, as usual and although we had no sunlight in the room to gauge the time of day my internal body clock told me it was about seven A.M. I glanced at Keevans watch and sure enough I was only about three minutes off. It was actually seven oh three. I sat up rubbing my eyes and smiled at Keevan sitting at the table with his cup of coffee with a tablet in his hand. He was watching a closed circuit camera somewhere and I had a sneaking suspicion it was up in the house. Sure enough upon closer inspection I found my suspicion was correct. The three people I had seen yesterday coming up the beach were sitting around a table in the room directly above our heads. They were arguing from the look of their faces and body language. We could not hear their words but Keevan was concentrating so intently on their faces I was sure he was reading their lips. He kept writing things down on the pad of paper at his elbow. I guess he had placed that down here as well. I hoped he had not gone out during the night and endangered himself. There had to be more than just those three. They were probably the seaside flank of the ambush that had been foiled by Keevans excellent planning.

The argument was becoming heated and the woman had risen from her chair and was reaching across the table as if she was going to harm the man sitting there. He put up his hands and looking a little apologetic he said something that made her sit back down. She did not look happy though. From the way the discussion seemed to going it appeared to me that she was the weak link between the three of them.

Finally Keevan noticed me peering over his shoulder and looking up at me said, "They have been at it for over an hour now. I wish I had sound. It would be so much easier than lip reading."

Well I had been right in that area at least. I said to him, "She is the one who seems to be the weak link. There must be some more personal relationship between her and the man across from her. They Goad each other more yet he can bring her down from her anger with a small gesture of his hand. They have the give and take of a long standing relationship. She also seems to be the leader in the group. They are looking to her for instruction." I told Keevan.

Keevan looked at me with his eyebrows raised and said, "You figured all that out from watching them for a few minutes? How do you do that? I have been watching them for the better part of two hours and I did not see that."

I shrugged my shoulders and said, "I don't know how I do it, really. I just do. It's a gift. I can read people and their body language very well. I guess that is why you were such and enigma to me because you are not easy to read. To add to that you were consciously hiding yourself from me because of the past I did not know about. It was very confusing at times. Especially in the beginning."

"That can be a bit discomfiting, "Keevan said, as he swiveled his head around to work the kinks out of his neck. He said this with a smile though so I knew he was not trying to be unkind.

"I know," I said. "That's why I have to be careful and often stop myself from reading people. It can become a curse when emotions or personal feelings get in the way and I start reading between the lines."

Keevan just shook his head and turned back to the tablet. The Man who had been pacing around the room had left and the other two were sitting there talking quietly behind their hands as if they thought he might hear them. Neither Keevan nor I could tell what they were saying but from their body language I perceived they were not happy with the other man. When he returned to the room the woman had moved over closer to her companion and they appeared to be a combined unit ready to give the other man a little trouble. The trouble they had in mind was much more than either of us had bargained for. As he approached the table we saw him suddenly lurch backward and clutching his gut, he fell to the floor. The second man then rose from the table and walking over to the first man shot him again in the head at point blank range. I was shocked and gasped aloud. Keevan quickly turned the tablet so I could not see the screen and put his other arm around me. I leaned into him and tried to forget the images of the scene I had just witnessed. I had seen many movies and television shows in my life where someone was shot but this was not television, it was real life and he was murdered in cold blood! Finally I gained control of myself and with a shudder I sat upright and said. "These people have to be stopped! Keevan, too many people have died already! What can we do?"

Keevan shook his head and softly said, "We are doing all we can, Lilly. This organization has no conscious when it comes to taking a life. We think the woman may be the Boss we have been seeking though. My fellow agents don't see any other reason why she would be here. She rarely ever goes out as it is and she has to our knowledge ever had an assignment to carry out. We thought she was the mistress of the Overseer but after what we just saw and what the other agents have telegraphed to me I have my doubts. I believe she is the man, woman, we have been seeking. I do not know how she found this place but I do know she has no knowledge of our hiding place below her very feet."

While he was telling me this he continued to watch the screen of the tablet. The remaining man and woman were still arguing and it appeared to be escalating again. He still had the gun in his hand and was brandishing it back and forth as he swung his arms wildly in protest of whatever she was saying to him. Suddenly she stopped and put up her finger to shush him. He immediately complied, although I could tell it was not easy for him to do. The woman tiptoed over to the wall where the window looked out over the drive and carefully peeked through the curtains. We could not see what was outside that window but I could tell it was not making her happy. She waved her hand at the man and pointing to the closet directed him to hide. She then joined him and closed the doors. We could no longer see or hear them so Keevan set the tablet down and scratching his head said, "I wonder what she saw out there?

Chapter 53: Chapter 53 Esacape

Chapter 53

Escape

It couldn't be her own men because she would not hide from them. I am guessing it is our guys. "

Is there some way we can sneak up on her from our direction?" I asked. "We are behind them in that closet you know."

"I wish it was that easy." Keevan said in exasperation. "I am more worried they will find the switch, and us ultimately. We need to clear everything out of the floor and make it look like no one has been here. We can hide behind the mattresses in a pinch but I would rather get that other door open and out of here. If they come in here we can trap them from both ends. I don't think they will hear the doors opening.

His plan sounded risky but it was more than I could think us in a moment's time so I started putting things back to their original positions that I had found them in when I had come down yesterday. In a short time we had everything back in place and Keevan had even wiped a little dust from one of the corners and spread it across the floor to make it look like it was dirty and had been undisturbed for a long period. He then flipped the lever behind the shelves. The door in the wall began to slowly open. To my ears it sounded like a tremendous roar but, in reality, it was relatively silent. Once the door opened Keevan took my hand and lead me into a dark passageway. He had a lantern in his hand but he had not lit the wick. We walked in utter darkness for about fifty yards feeling our way along a dank, cold wall. I held on to Keevans hand very tightly. My steps were not steady and I was a bit clumsy but he did not get impatient or rush me. He went slowly so I would not trip. Then the passage took a hairpin turn to the right and then to the left. Once we has passed these two turns Keevan stopped. He put his finger to my lips to keep me from speaking and we stood there silently listening. There was not a sound from either end of the tunnel. Keevan leaned close to my ear and whispered, "I will light the lantern if you feel you absolutely must have it, but I prefer to keep our movement as secretive as possible."

I whispered quietly, "Leave it off. I'll follow as long as you hold my hand"

Keevan squeezed my hand and we started walking again. I remembered he had told me the passage came out about five hundred yards beyond the front of the house but with all of the twists and turns I was sure we walked much farther. It took us about a half hour to reach the end of the passage and it came upon us rather suddenly around another one of the many hairpin turns in this passageway. Keevan pressed me back against the wall and motioned me to stay there. There was some light filtering from the opening and I could see his shadow as he crept the last few feet toward the opening. He peered around the corner and looking left and right stepped out of the opening. He had drawn his gun as a precaution before he left my side but I prayed he would not have a need for it. A few moments later he reappeared at the passageway opening and motioned me to come on out. I quickly joined him. I was never so happy to see sunshine in my life. It was so dark in that passageway my eyes felt like they were on fire for a few moments from the brightness of the sun.

Once my vision adjusted I looked around. I could see we were below the level of the road and on the opposite side from the house. Behind us was the forest. To our left was a very small clearing. To the right was the road. Keevan nodded his head toward the trees indicating we would be heading in that direction. It looked like there was no way through but I had to trust he knew what he was doing. Before we headed into the trees he stepped back to the bushes that concealed the passageway opening and pressed on a smallish rock. The passageway closed and the foliage returned to normal as if nothing had disturbed it in fifty years. He was right. This was very well hidden.

We turned toward the trees and ducking under a low branch , Keegan led me into the forest. I followed him under the branch and through some very heave underbrush. He did his best to make the path smith for me but I was wearing flip-flops and I kept tripping on vines and branches. It slowed our progress a great deal and I was tempted to just take my flip-flops off and go bare footed. But not knowing what was here under the bushes and brambles undergrowth I thought it would not be wise. Fortunately it was only a short distance and the underbrush opened up tp a clear pathway leading through the trees.I breathed a sigh of relief and then I had a thought, What if the enemy had found this path as well and they were waiting for us to come tripping along and kill us? I stopped and pulled back on Keevans hand. As if he read my mind he said, "Its ok. They are more concerned with the paths around the house than with this one. To get to it from the other side of the road you have to cross a very high and forbidding barbwire fence. They will not think we are on the other side of that fence. Now let's get moving."

I hesitated for one more moment and then followed him again. He had not let me down even once up to this point in our association so I trusted him here as well. We ran along the path as quickly as my foot wear would allow. Finally after a distance that seemed like a mile but was probably only another five hundred yards Keegan stopped and pointing into the trees said, "Theres our ride."

I looked in the direction he was pointing and at first I saw nothing but trees. As I looked a little close though I finally saw to what he was referring. There sat a motorcycle. Not just any motorcycle, a Harley Davidson motorcycle. I smiled and said, "Well you picked the perfect bike for our ride!"

"I did?" Keevan asked.

"Yes, you did." I told him with a grin on my face. "I love Harley's and have always wanted to own one. I have ridden a few times and the sound and feel of a Harley is like nothing else in the world. Keegan got a big silly grin on his face and walking over pulled the bike from the trees. It was a beauty. The chrome was perfect and unscathed. It looked as if it had just come off the showroom floor. Yet it had sat here in the Forrest for at least a day or two. He swung his leg over the seat and stepping up to the bike I swung on behind him, He hit the starter and the roar beneath us was music to my ears. I put my arms around his middle and we took off down the path. About twenty feet beyond where the bike had been hidden the. Path came out on to a paved two lane road. Wh turned left on to that road and Keegan opened up the throttle and let the bike go. The absolute rush of adrenaline was euphoric. I hung on and let the wind rip through my hair and across my face as we tore down the road. I could feel Keevans excitement at being on the bike as well. His heart beat a little faster and I could feel it just above my hands where they were clasped in front of him. His breathing was a little faster too, just like mine. Here was something we discovered that we both loved and could share the euphoria together. It was clear we belonged together.

Chapter 54: Chapter 54 Freedom?

Chapter 54

Freedom

Racing along that highway on that bike with Keevan was exhilarating. He handled the bike like a pro and I felt very confident in his ability to control it. We wound up and down the road through the green countryside of Jamaica without seeing another vehicle for miles. Jamaica is not a large island so I knew we either were backtracking on ourselves or it was not as far as it seemed to me from my perch behind Keevan. Whichever it was I felt a keen disappointment when Keevan began to slow the bike down and pulled off of the highway and on to a back road. I was not sure where this would take us but I hoped it was away from danger and not back into more. Keevan seemed to always have a backup plan for his backup plan. I suppose that's how he had gotten where he was in the FBI.

Soon the path narrowed and all but disappeared. We were going very slowly by this time and Keevan was steering the bike very carefully through the dense foliage. Just when I thought we would have to stop completely the forest seemed to end and there was a beach and the ocean before us. Keevan parked the bike and swinging off he helped me dismount as well. He motioned for me to follow him and we began walking parallel to the shore line even with the edge of the forest. Eventually we came upon a small inlet and there pulled up into the rushes and weeds was a motorboat.

Keevan helped me over the keel and climbing into the boat behind me he went to take the pilot's seat. I collapsed into the back of the boat on some cushions and life vests that were thrown there. All of this running and hiding was wearing me out. It also was hot out there. A small breeze had begun to kick up along the shore but it was blocked by the trees from reaching us. Keevan pulled out an oar and began paddling the boat away from shore toward the inlets mouth. It was clear he was not taking any chances of someone hearing us start the motor this close to the shore. I wondered how long he would paddle the boat before he started it up. I did not have long to wait for the answer to that question. We had barely cleared the place where the water came into the inlet from the sea and he reached back and pulled the throttle back and started the boat's engine. The boat roared to life and he pushed the throttle full forward causing the boat to practically leap from the water. He accelerated quickly out into the deeper waters of the ocean.

I realized that just because we had left the island it did not mean we were safe. I kept low in the boat while Keevan drove. Like he did everything else it seemed he handled the boat like a pro. He was a man of many talents and strengths. Not someone you would want to cross in the wrong way. Soon I realized we seemed to be going in a semicircle around the island. What could he be doing?

It didn't take me too long to figure out Keevans plan. He was circling back to the side of the island where the house was located. He probably was hoping to sneak up on the intruders and catch them by surprise. I knew they wanted to take the ring leader alive if they could. I was not sure why he was bringing me along for the showdown though. He was very focused on steering the boat and keeping watch all around and he did not look at me or even in my direction for quite a long time. I slowly inched my head above the side of the boat where I could just see the shore line zipping by. Soon I could see the barriers that marked the property edge and about the same time Keevan cut the engines. The silence was deafening. He glance back and noticed I was sitting up and peering over the edge but he did not stop me or tell me to get down. Instead he reached under the dash of the control panel and pulled out another gun. He had held his in his hand while he was driving the boat and now he laid his down. He stepped over to me and handed me the gun he had pulled out and said, "Remember all those lessons we had? They may come in handy now. I do not expect you to have to use this gun but I want you to have it for your own protection."

I carefully took the gun from his hand and holding it safely, as he had taught me, I lay it on one of the cushions beside me. "Why would I need to protect myself?" I asked. "Where are you going?"

Keevan pointed to a spot just beyond the markers that I had not noticed before and said, "See that little inlet over there? I am going to row us up there and anchor the boat. I will then have to leave you there alone while I go find out exactly what is going on and if I can help in any way. You will be unprotected except for the gun. If anyone approaches the boat stay hidden as long as possible. Most of the time on the island the locals are curious but will not board a boat unless they are given permission. If someone does board the boat it will most likely be someone who is intending to harm you. You will need the gun to protect yourself. I don't want to do things this way, Lilly, but I must make sure that woman is apprehended and hopefully alive."

I nodded my head and said, "It's all right Keevan, I understand and I will be fine. Please be careful and come back to me. Ok?"

His answer was to lean down and kiss me gently on the lips.

With a tender look he turned to the task of paddling the boat to the inlet. He was an efficient paddler and we were anchored within a few minutes. Keevan picked up his gun and securing his vest, which I assumed was a bullet proof vest, he kissed me once more and whispered, "I shall return my love."

With that he slipped over the side and walked to the shore through knee-deep water. I watched him as he climbed up on the sand and over the dunes till I could not see him anymore. Then I lay back down in the boat out of sight. There was a small tarp in the boat so I used it to pull over myself and hide a little better. I couldn't bring myself to pull it over my face so I cupped it around my head to hide as much of myself as possible. The tarp also shaded me from the blazing sun as well. I settled down to wait for Keevans return.

Chapter 55: Chapter 55 Shots

Chapter 55

Shots

From my position in the bottom of the boat I could not see much beyond the sky and the tops of the trees. An occasional bird would fly over and some would even swoop low enough for me to be able to tell what kind of bird it was. There were some of the fluffy clouds that you see on a summer day in the sky and they were shifting and skipping through the sky in a playground of their own. I watched them change shape and morph into shapes ranging from what looked like a little cherub angel to what appeared as a dragon breathing fire. It was easy to get lost in the fun of cloud gazing and it help distract my mind from what might be going on with Keevan. I kept my ears tuned for any sounds that were not familiar and tried to stay aware of everything going on around me. I had to stay watchful, Keevan had to have something to come back to when he finished his task. My hands itched to be busy and I found myself wishing I had been able to bring my knitting with me. I knew that it was foolish to think like that. We had barely escaped harm for this long and it had not been easy leaving Sheena and Yip behind when we had left the Shelter. I worried that they had been injured too. Keevan had convinced me they were safer wandering the woods, if they even did wander from the point we had left them, than they were with us. He assured me they would find us and we would search for them once we captured that woman and her cronies. I had to pull my mind away from the dogs as it was making me sad to think about them out there on their own. I forced myself to start thinking and making mental lists of the things I would need to do once I got to go back home. The lists I made in my head were long and tedious ones. There would be so much I would need to do to catch up from this unplanned absence and I would probably have to do most of it alone. I did not think Keevan was going to have much free time once they captured the ring leader and got the trial moving ahead for Mark and the smuggling, counterfeit ring they all had been part of. I had heard those type of trials lasted many weeks sometimes. I hoped once that was finished that Keevan and I could explore our relationship more and maybe carry it to the commitment level. I had been playing with the ring around my neck while I was thinking about this and thoughts of what marriage to him would be like danced in my mind. The thoughts were pleasant and I found myself smiling in spite of the circumstances I was in at the moment.

Suddenly I heard a sound I had dreaded hearing the whole time I had lay there in the boat. I heard a gunshot. Then another shot rang out. Soon I lost count of how many shots had been fired. I froze there for a few moments and then I thought, "KEEVAN!"

Without another seconds hesitation I sprang from my hiding place and jumped into the water and with my gun in hand waded to shore. I hit the sand running not knowing what I would find, only knowing I must get to Keevan. I ran through the thicket barefoot and unheeding of the dangers of rattlesnakes and poisonous scorpions that could sting and bite me. I ran faster than I had run for many years uncaring of the dangers and ignoring the painful cuts I was getting as I ran across thorns and sharp roots. I had one goal, get to Keevan.

I broke from the thicket into the side yard of the house. I had not realized we were that close. I dropped to the ground quickly just in case anyone was looking over here but I did not see anyone. I heard another shot and I jumped back up and started running in the direction the shot came from. I held my gun in front of me and had my finger ready to shoot if I came upon anyone else. I would shoot to kill till I found Keevan. I swung around the corner of the house at a breakneck speed and there were two men and they were holding the woman we had seen on the video surveillance when we had been in the shelter. She was Cuffed and standing there with an angry look on her face. He partner was lying on the ground about ten feet away in a large pool of blood, apparently dead. About ten feet to the other side of him was another body. I had pulled up short when I saw the woman being held by the two men but I began running over to the other body. I knew, I knew in my heart of hearts, it was Keevan. "Please, please don't be dead!" I screamed in my heart as I raced to him.

When I reached him I knelt down beside him and gently tuned his body over so I could see his face. He groaned as I turned him and his eyes fluttered open. He looked up and saw me with tears running down my face in sheer relief and he smiled. Just where he found the strength to smile I do not know because I could see he had a massive bullet wound in his right shoulder. He was bleeding profusely so ripped off the hem of my shirt and tried to form a makeshift tourniquet for him. I had to stop the bleeding or he would die here in my arms. I cradled his head in my lap and rubbed his forehead while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.

"Keevan, you can't die." I said. "I have not had a chance to even tell you just how much I love you. Please hang on. You can make it, Keevan, you are strong." While I was chanting this over and over to him I was leaning over him and the ring on its chain was dangling from my neck. He reached up with his left hand and touched the ring. I looked into his eyes and slipping the chain from around my neck removed the ring and put it on my left hand. I said to him, "You have to get better now so you can officially put this ring on my finger. "

He smiled again and softly replied, "I love you, Lilly."

"I love you too, Keevan. Now rest till the paramedics get here. I hear the sirens so you will be on your way soon. I will stay with you every step of the way. You are not ever leaving me again!"

Keevan whispered, "I won't, my love."

Chapter 56: Epilogue

Epilogue

The trial was finally finished, and the criminals sentenced to a very long stay behind bars, just before Christmas that year. Keevan recovered quickly from his injuries as I kept a watch over him and took care of him as much as possible. I did not want to be away from him for even one moment. We had stayed in his house as mine had not been declared safe yet. He had given me the suite adjoining his upstairs so I could be as close to him as possible. I cooked and cared for him like a mother hen. He was a perfect gentleman and never demanded anything of me. He respected me and treated me like a priceless gem. He made me feel secure and safe. I took a few trips to my house with an escort to get some of my own things and check on the mail but I was finding myself falling in love with Keevans house more and more with each passing day. The heritage and history of his home was rooted deep and I knew it was a big part of what made Keegan the man that he was.

We kept track of the court proceedings each day as they were being aired on the local newscasts. Mark testified against the crime boss, who I discovered was the woman who we had seen in Jamaica and was also the woman who had destroyed our marriage even before it had begun. His ties to her went much further back than even our first meeting. I suspected the relationship had been an orchestration of some sort to make him appear as a normal everyday run of the mill fellow instead of the puppet he had been for her organization. It saddened me greatly to know he was that way and had used me as a cover. I was thankful that he had not ever tried to make me part of his crimes. For that I could give him some credit. He protected me from the organization. He was sentenced to twenty years in federal prison for his crimes while his cohorts got either life or the death penalty depending on the number and degree of their offenses. The woman who was the 'boss' got the death penalty. I knew she would not die right away because of the ability to appeal her sentence. But I knew she would never see outside of a prison again in her lifetime.

On Christmas Eve Keegan and I went for a walk along our beloved ocean and as the sun was setting and the waves were dancing in the glorious winter colors of sunset, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. In my heart I was already there, but this was making it official. I said yes. He had chosen to present me with his grandmother's ring and he gave that to me as my engagement ring. It was the most beautiful thing he could have given me. With the rich history and the sentimental significance of the ring to him and his family. He placed the ring on my finger and took the band I had kept there since that day in Jamaica when I promised him I would be his. He told me he would put it back on my finger on our wedding day, which better be soon. I agreed with him on that and we decided on New Years Day for our wedding.

We decided on a simple ceremony on the beach with just a few close friends and family. The day of our wedding dawned clear and beautiful, with a calm breeze and the waves gently rolling on to the shore. We exchanged our vows, with solemn promise, and as I looked into his eyes so dark and deep I knew his promise would be forever and I could trust him completely. He kissed me with tenderness and passion rolled together as the sun shone upon our loving union there beside the beautiful sea. It was a picture of perfection and peace that I had never thought would become part of my life. The colors of the sun and sea so blue and bright promising happiness for us both. We had finally found our soul mate. How fitting it was that we had met by the sea and now we were united in marriage and love by the sea. I knew the ocean would forever be a part of who we were or ever hoped to become together. For it was there by the illuminating sea that we had found perfect peace.