Drawing Blood (12 page)

“Then there’s a reason why you did this time. Please don’t be frightened. Many people are afraid of what they don’t understand or can’t control. I think it makes more sense to be open-minded. We just have to puzzle it out. There is a great deal in this world human kind has yet to accept.” He pinned her with his steady gaze. “You should not have been medicated. There’s no telling what damage those drugs did to you, to your power.”

What a strange way to put it. But Holly refused to dwell on his choice of words. She felt disloyal and hurried to correct his impression of her father. “My father loves me very much and he was worried about me at the time. He didn’t understand but I know he meant well.”

“He’s your father and a beloved one, I see. I meant no disrespect. Forgive me.”

Holly shook her head. “Not necessary. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so touchy. It’s just that I didn’t want you to get the wrong impression about my father.”

Astute, he said, “You feel guilty. You can’t help but resent him and that makes you uncomfortable. Your father tries to capitalize on that.”

“I see you’ve met my father.” She smiled.

He shook his head and laughed. “No, no I haven’t. Just men like him, I suspect.” He squeezed her hand gently and released it. “Listen, Holly, what we’re about to undertake could be dangerous and it isn’t easy for me to bring you into all of this. Just pinch me if I get too overprotective. I do that sometimes.”

“That’s a promise.” She laughed and stabbed her last piece of cake with the ruthlessness of a Samurai. She ran her tongue over the tines of her fork and set it down beside her plate.

Stryker watched her every move.

At last, he said, “Has there ever been anything that triggers your automatic drawings? Flashing lights or music?”

She paused and thought hard. “I don’t think so. I just know that the drugs stopped them completely for a while. Then, after time they started to come back, but I didn’t tell my father.”

He leaned forward. “Were there any other side effects to the drugs?”

His sharp insight made her pause. “How did you know?”

“All drugs have side effects, but yours were different I’ll bet.”

  
“Yes, they were. I started to see auras. And I still do. That side effect didn’t wear off once I’d weaned myself off the drugs. These days, I don’t see everyone’s, just some.” Steady and direct, her eyes pierced his. “Now answer my question. How did you know?”

  
 
“I guessed. You never had an affliction, you had an ability and there was no one around to help you control it. It was misdiagnosed, misinterpreted and misunderstood. Your ability to see auras wasn’t a side effect, but rather an additional ability you merely grew into. When you stopped taking the meds, you could still see them. It stands to reason.” He sounded supremely confident.

Warily, she said, “You seem to know a lot about this kind of thing.”

His gaze dropped to the table for a second before he answered. “I do know a little bit about this kind of thing. I have a few abilities myself and living this close to nature only hones them.”

She leaned closer, her eyes widening. “What can you do?”

He laughed sheepishly. “I don’t pull coins from children’s ears. That’s for sure.”

Narrowing her gaze, Holly could tell he was reluctant to divulge his secrets. After a moment she leaned back, deciding to take pity on him. She knew what it felt like to have strange, unexplained abilities. Feeling generous, she let him off the hook and turned the subject in a slightly different direction. “Was Irene psychic?”

Startled, he said, “Yes, a little. She used the tarot cards to help focus her ability, but, yes, even without the cards she possessed an unhoned gift.”

“Maybe that’s why I picked up on her death.”

He raised his brows and nodded, considering the possibility. “That could be. She might have unconsciously helped you to pick up the killer’s intentions. We should get hold of Irene’s phone records and ask the neighbors about visitors.”

“That’s something Avery and I can do. We know this hacker who can do just about anything with a computer. He’ll be able to get her phone records.”

“Do you think he could also find out about any activity on her credit cards?”

Holly waved a nonchalant hand. “Pfft…in a New York minute.” She smiled at him and added, “While Arnie is checking into that and you’re gathering samples, I’ll talk to the natives.”

He smiled at her, and the corners of his eyes creased deeply. Holly found herself even more charmed by him. He’d spent a good part of his life smiling like that. The thought of all those smiles warmed her heart.

He said, “Be very careful. Try to make your inquiries seem like idle gossip, busybody kind of stuff. We don’t want to alert the killer. Please promise me that you will show me all future automatic drawings you do.” His expression was deadly serious.

Guilt forced her to look away for a second. When she dragged her gaze back, the blood-drenched image she’d drawn of him superimposed itself on his seated form and she blushed. She knew better than to lie. Instead, she avoided full disclosure and said, “From now on, I promise to show you any drawing that might pertain to this case.”

Could he tell she was hiding something? He narrowed his eyes, but didn’t question her.

Feeling uncomfortable, she shifted in her seat. “Are you, or have you ever been a cop?”

He laughed. “No, but I’ve been asked to investigate crimes in the past. Like your Mounties, I always get my man.”

Holly laughed and he looked at her with an inquiring raised eyebrow.

“Avery used to say that.” She explained.

“I don’t really understand what you mean by that, but I’ve met Avery so I’m sure it was no empty boast.”

“Trust me, it wasn’t. I like the RCMP reference though. Very Canadian of you. You get points for that.”

* * * *

When Holly prepared to leave, Stryker walked her to her car. Polly trotted beside them with the ever present grimy tennis ball in her mouth. He leaned down and threw the ball for the dog.

Watching with admiration, Holly said, “She’s a beauty. How long have you had her?”

“Since she was a pup. My brother’s dog is her mother. I’ve always had a canine companion. Unfortunately, they don’t live long enough. One can never replace another, but I’ve loved every one I’ve ever had.”

Holly liked him the more for it. “I’m thinking about getting one now that I work from my home. My father never let me have pets. He didn’t think I needed to be burdened with the responsibility. His words, not mine. My brother and sister never showed an interest.”

“You should consider it. Let me know if you want my help picking one out.”

She looked up at him. “Thank you. I may take you up on your offer.”

“Next time you come I’ll show you my horses. I come from a long line of horse lovers. My stallion, Dakota has a very regal bloodline. Do you ride?”

She nodded. “I love to ride, but I’m not very good.”

“I don’t believe that. I’m sure you have a natural seat.”

So did he. Holly had noticed that particular fact while following him around his house. She laughed and grinned up at him. “I’m not going to touch that one.” She reached for the driver’s side door handle, but he got there first.
        

Opening the door, he leaned down. Holly lifted her head to his, waiting for the touch of his lips against hers. He looked down at her mouth then into her eyes and back again. She used her tongue to wet her lips. She could feel his breath mingle with hers. It felt cool against her moistened lips. She closed her eyes and waited. Her skin practically hummed in anticipation and her lips parted instinctively.

Stryker tipped his forehead to hers and sighed. Cupping her face in his hand, his thumb stroked her cheek then moved to her bottom lip. Her tongue followed the movement of his thumb and she heard him groan. His hesitation was killing her and she considered taking matters into her own hands, but before she got the chance, he lifted his head slightly and kissed her on the forehead. He stayed motionless for what seemed like minutes, but common sense told Holly it was only seconds.

He whispered. “I’ll be in touch.”

As he said the words, Holly shivered in response. Like an automaton she slipped behind the wheel of her car and drove away. When she got home, it amazed her that she had no recollection of her trip back.
 

The heat was unbearable and Holly couldn’t tell for sure if it was from the weather or her reaction to Stryker, but she had a good idea.

The lake beckoned. A swim would cool her down and the kids would take her mind off the reason she needed to cool down. Moving quickly, she found her bathing suit and stripped out of her sun dress. She couldn’t get naked fast enough and as she pulled the suit up, her heart pounded. She almost ran the short distance to the lake.

Avery was sitting on the dock watching Aaron and Connor swim. Perched on a nearby rock, Jessica studied the clear water, tapping her foot on the surface.

Inhibitions fled as Holly broke into a run. With a loud holler of warning, she dove in, cutting the surface with clean precision. When at last coming up for air, she heard the sweet sound of kids’ laughter. It didn’t matter how commonplace her presence was, they always greeted Holly with enthusiasm and she never took it for granted. They made her feel like a rock star.

The water, the exercise and the children did the trick. Holly was able to push Stryker Cain out of her mind temporarily. She avoided Avery’s eyes. Her friend accepted her reticence silently, but Holly knew it was a short reprieve. Avery would wait only so long.

* * * *

“And he didn’t kiss you?” Avery looked astonished. “I can’t believe it! The way he stared at you in Irene O’Neill’s kitchen made me feel like grabbing a fire extinguisher. He wants you bad. I wonder why he’s hesitating.”

“Maybe we’ve misread the signs.” Holly ventured the pathetic suggestion without really believing it.

Avery snorted. She actually snorted. She did that when someone said something preposterous. “I want to call him and ask him what the hell he’s waiting for.”

Holly laughed. “Oh that would be an interesting conversation.”

Avery narrowed her eyes. “Don’t tempt me. I’ll give him one more chance and if he doesn’t kiss you when the opportunity presents itself next time…I’m going to do some investigating myself. All over his ass.”

Holly broke into heartfelt laughter. Her tension eased a little more. “He warned me that he might get a little overprotective.”

Avery frowned. “Oh no…not another one.”

Holly lifted a shoulder. “I’m afraid so. I seem to bring out the protective side in men. At least Stryker told me I could pinch him if he takes it too far.”

“Well that’s something I guess. Men can be very sweet when they’re protective, but you don’t need another controlling man like your father.”

Holly nodded as Avery continued. “I know they say women are attracted to men like their fathers. That would be so wrong for you. Big mistake, lethal mistake.”

“I know, but aren’t we jumping the gun? So far there’s nothing between us but friendly cooperation.”

Avery said, “Pfft.”

Holly ignored her. “I’m not going to assume a relationship where there isn’t one, especially with a man like him. I think that would be asking for trouble. I don’t want a romance. I’m happy the way I am.”

“I know, kiddo, and that’s just fine. I won’t push you, but I can’t pretend I don’t see how much he wants you. It’s unmistakable. It’s neon. It’s disco ball, man.”