Familiar Strangers (9 page)

He smiled at her. “I never said a thing.”

“You didn’t have to,” the Cajun retorted. “Isn’t it time you were heading back, too?”

He casually glanced to his watch, noting the time before speaking again. “I’ve got a few spare minutes.”

****


Damon appeared not at all happy with their early morning visitor, but she couldn’t seem to find the will to ask Caprice to leave. The words the woman spoke struck a familiar cord within her. She had stared evil in the eye and come out the winner. What if that hadn’t been the last time? Surely Caprice, with the knowledge of ages in her eyes, could answer the questions racing through her mind.

“Regin, ask what you will and answer I shall, if I can.”

She almost spit out the sip of coffee she had just taken. “Are you reading my mind?” she asked hesitantly. “Not that I think it’s possible,” she clarified.

The other woman laughed and patted her chilled hand once more. “No need to read your mind. Everything you think and feel is shown plain as day across your face.”

Regin didn’t believe her for a minute. In the past seven years, she’d learned to bury what she felt and show no reaction to events going on around her. This defense mechanism was one she’d become quiet adept at controlling. There was no way Caprice was reading anything on her face.

“You worry too much about things not important and not enough of those things which are.”

“Are you always this mystic early in the morning?” Regin questioned.

Caprice shook her head, making the long braids surrounding her face dance. Her white teeth gleamed brightly against her dark skin as she laughed. “You’ve never been a morning person, no?”

Even when the Cajun woman phrased a sentence to sound like a question, it came out as a statement of fact. “Why do I have the feeling you know the answer?” What was this woman doing to her?

“Maybe we all know the answers before we ask the questions, hmm?” she answered vaguely. “Maybe it’s only a way to confirm what we know?”

Regin shook her head. “Do you ever give direct answers to questions?”
Why did she feel like she was stepping through a large minefield with every word that popped out of her mouth? Caprice had thrown her for a loop the moment she stepped into the kitchen.

Could it have been a coincidence she’d woken this morning and thought of Shawn Townsend? He was the only real evil she’d ever encountered in her life, and he had been more than enough. The malevolence Caprice spoke of sounded so much larger than just one man. It sounded like a presence beyond what she was aware of. Something more forceful, all consuming.

What was happening to her?

What did the crazy, beautiful woman sitting in her kitchen, staring at her as if she could read her every thought, have to do with any of it?

“You should trust your dreams, they often know more than you do,” the mysterious woman said unsmilingly. “See beyond the mask to the truth that lies within.”

Regin knew she wore the same dumfounded expression now as she did when someone tried to explain calculus to her. She just didn’t get it. “Dreams?” she questioned softly, trying to remember if she’d had any lately which could provide clues to the riddles she was drowning in.

Caprice nodded her head. “Dreams are the pathway our souls travel for lost thoughts.”

“This is getting way too deep for me so early in the morning.” It was best she decided to avoid wherever this discussion was headed. She really couldn’t take any more in-depth study of her subconscious, much less the source of evil.

“Don’t wait too long before you act. When Fate arrives, everything will begin,” she warned, her eyes growing darker.

“Fate can just keep knocking, I’m not answering,” Regin decided.

“Oh, child, when Fate arrives, there won’t be any knocking. She’s going to blow you out of the water.”

“Great,” she mumbled. “Why can’t I have a nice sweet Fate like everyone else?”

Again, the other woman nodded her head as if expecting the answer she’d received. “We’ll leave it for now. But remember, I’ll be ready when you call for me. Just find the lock and the key will come.”

“Lock? What lock?” Regin demanded.

“Think over what we’ve talked about. For every door, there is always a lock. For every lock, there is the key. There’s no door that can remain locked once you find the right key. Do you understand what I am saying, Cherie?”

Regin could feel the woman’s stare right into her soul, as if trying to gauge the effect she was having. Regin could do nothing but stare back. No words came from her mouth. She could not think to form them. What Caprice was saying shocked and scared her to her core. Not because it sounded too far-fetched, but because it sounded all too true and all too real.

Galen was not too surprised to watch Damon circle around Regin’s cottage and make his way toward the main house. He knew it was important that Regin’s friend have a few facts to start off with. Lifting his mug toward Damon, he said, “I’ve been expecting you. Coffee’s fresh. Help yourself.”

It took the other man a few minutes to grab a cup of coffee and make his way back to his host.

“So,” Galen started as he motioned to a recliner adjacent to his own. He winced at the pain in his ribs. “What else have you come to warn me off of?”

Instead of answering Damon, took a slow sip of his coffee. “I didn’t come to fight with you, Matthews.”

A black brow slanted up. “No?”

“No, I came to talk about Regin and a few things you might need to know about her.”

Galen shifted his position slightly, showing more interest than he wanted to admit. He was dying to find out what made Regin Neff tick. The answers were sitting right across from him. “Whatever you tell me can only help protect her.” Which was mostly honest, he congratulated himself. His interest had nothing to do with the fact he wanted to get her naked and screaming his name, or the strange response she provoked every time he thought of her, or even the strange intuitive way he seemed to know such private things about her.

What was the matter with him? Having this much interest in his client wasn’t a smart idea. He rubbed his eyes wishing he could as easily rub his thoughts of her away. The woman was going to drive him insane, if he wasn’t already there. He had to remember she was a job. She would be out of his life before she had a chance to be in it.

Frustration seemed to flow off Damon in waves as he raked a hand through his already disheveled hair. “I don’t know how far to go with you. Tatum seems to trust you. God knows Duchess trusts Tatum, which means I’m going to have to trust you.”

Galen’s response was a slight curl in his lip. “You just hate that, don’t you?”

“Hell yes” he barked. “I don’t know you at all, and I have to trust you with one of the most important people in my life.”

Surprised, Galen took a sip of coffee to hide his bemused expression that might creep upon his face. So the man was in love with his best friend, hmm? Wonder if Regin knew? “If you’re so in love with her, why don’t you stay and guard her yourself?”

The other man’s head jerked up as if shot. “In love? With Regin?” He shook his head laughing. “God, no.” He held up his hand when Galen would have spoken. “You seem to have confused the situation, not that it’s any of your business.” Taking a deep breath, he continued. “Regin is closer to me than a sister and more important than a friend. She’s one of the rare people few others are ever privileged to meet. You might want to watch yourself around her because before you know it, you’ll be the one in love. I’ve seen it happen too many times.”

“Fall in love? With her?” Galen scoffed at the notion. “We’re like Scotch and root beer. We’d never mix. Besides,” he shot an amused glance at the other man, “how do you know she won’t fall for me?”

Damon didn’t bother hiding his laughter. It burst out of him, cutting through the quiet stillness of the morning. After a few minutes and several swipes at his damp eyes, he managed to answer. “I know because you are not even near the ballpark of her type.”

Galen could feel himself becoming angry for no reason he could name. “I could be just the man to make her switch fields,” he huffed out.

“Nothing’s impossible, I suppose,” he said. “I say she’ll eat you for lunch and have room left over for dessert.”

Galen tamped down his anger, ignoring the shot at his ego. “So what type of men does she prefer? In case it becomes an issue while she’s here?” He quickly tacked on the last part, not wanted Damon to think his interest was anything more than professional.

Black eyes sparked in repressed laughter. “Once it would have been someone like you. Strong enough to stand up to her, but smart enough not to let her know it.” His expression clouded. “She dates men, if you can call group get-togethers dates. The men are always more intellect than muscle. Up to date on politics, art, style, and the newest “hot” spots. None of them threaten her. She’s in control.” Damon’s restless gaze wandered to the water where waves crashed on the shore.

Galen didn’t think Damon was aware of him anymore. The other man was caught up in memories.

“You wouldn’t know it to look at her, but once upon a time Regin was shy.” His lips curved upward. “Quiet, nervous, and wouldn’t say boo to a bug.”
“What happened?” he asked, but knew the answer before the words finished leaving his mouth.

Amusement fled, harshness and steel fixed in Damon’s face. “Townsend happened. He changed that beautiful, shy, sweet, kind girl into the woman you met. A woman skimming over the surface of life. She doesn’t let herself care for anyone. Never allowing anyone to touch her or matter to her beyond a mild interest. If someone tries to come too close, she’s gone within days. Shawn Townsend succeeded in destroying the only thing that mattered to Regin...her heart.”

“You’ve managed to keep her affections.” More than affection, he thought, remembering the scene of Regin’s greeting last night.

“Oh, there are a few of us lucky ones she cares about. Tatum was a surprising but natural choice, given how closely they work together. I was there before. I’m in for the long haul. She didn’t have a choice in keeping me. I didn’t give her one.”

They sat quietly, each lost in thought before Damon resumed. “As for why I don’t stay and watch her myself? It’s simple. She’d know something was wrong and be gone before morning with no one the wiser.”

Her elusiveness was hard to take in. “You mean to tell me you can’t keep track of one woman? How hard can it be?”

More laughter spilled from across the top of Damon’s coffee cup. “Don’t think it’s hard? Just wait until she’s all yours. I’ll bet you lose her within twenty-four hours. Remember something, Matthews, Regin is never what you think she is, and she never does what you want or expect her to.”

As quick as it had come, the laughter died. “Damn, I can’t believe I’m sitting here laughing with you about losing Duchess. God help me that madman is out there somewhere looking for her, stalking her, and I’m talking about her wandering away.” He looked straight in Galen’s eyes. “Don’t let it happen, Matthews. If he gets her, I won’t stop hunting you till one of us is dead.”

****


Late twilight had the last rays of the sun sinking below the water’s edge. Regin sat on the porch, watching the entire beautiful show. It was quiet now with Damon gone. He had seemed more somber than usual before driving off. She didn’t know if his mood was due to Caprice’s dire predictions or the ones the old Cajun had thrown at her. Either way, he’d been too silent as he held her close before quickly releasing her, and then climbing into his car. With no more than a wave and promise to call, he’d driven off.

If she were being honest with herself, something she always tried to do, she’d admit the Cajun woman’s warnings and cryptic messages had gotten to her. She’d never been the type to take a stranger’s word too seriously, but there had been something about Caprice’s demeanor that spoke of sincerity. No, she reasoned, the sense of urgency she invoked was the cause of most of Regin’s concern. Like maybe time was running out for all of them.

“But running out for what?” she questioned out loud. The woman had never mentioned a specific threat or person, just a general warning to be aware of evil and the arrival of Fate. Could all of this have something to do with the date she dreaded fast approaching?

“No, one has nothing to do with the other.”

She swiftly came off the steps and paced the width of the porch, as was her habit when her brain worked faster than her body could keep up. The activity made her feel more controlled. At least that was the excuse she gave Damon whenever he commented on it.

“What was she warning me of?” The old woman had spoken of old evil, evil that never died. How could that be? Nothing was timeless in this world. Everything had a beginning and ending. It was the circle of life.

And what about the dreams she told Regin to pay attention to? Had she been dreaming of things or people she couldn’t remember in the daylight? If so, what were they about? Who were they about?

Her sneaker-covered foot viciously kicked a wooden slat of the porch railing. “Damn you, what the hell do you want from me?”

“What do I win if I guess the right answer?”

The low male voice that answered made her jump. Her right hand automatically came up to cover her jumping heart. “Ever heard of knocking?” Where was Annie? Normally the dog warned her before anyone could get within a foot of her.

“Never knew I had to knock on a porch.” He shrugged his wide shoulders. “I tried the front, but there was no answer, so I came the back way.” He walked the few steps up the porch until only a small space separated them. “Now, what do I get if I’m right?”

He was dressed much in the same manner as when they’d first met, only now his shirt was black and his faded jeans hugged his long muscled legs. His hair was mussed either from the wind or his own hands, falling onto his brow and giving him a sexy, rakish look. Her stomach started doing weird, fluttery things and her mouth went dry. Everything about him screamed sex, and she couldn’t take her eyes away.

Unconsciously, she licked her parched lips. His gaze caught the movement of her tongue and followed until she slipped it back in her mouth. She could see his pupils darken and his breathing become harsher. She could almost feel the heat from his gray eyes touching her lips. A sweet warm sensation swarmed the rest of her body, taking no notice of her mind’s refusal to participate. Her nipples tightened and hot lava flowed from her cheeks downward, pooling between her thighs.

“So,” his husky voice held her captive, “what’s my prize?” he asked again.

The clean outdoorsy smell of him filled her nostrils, making her blood pump faster. “Prize?” She shook her head, trying to rid her mind and body of strange feelings he was stirring. “Mr. Matthews, you seem to have lost me. What prize are you talking about?” Regin backed away several feet until the porch’s railing rubbed her back. She tilted her head, daring him to comment.

He ran a casual hand though his hair. “If I get the answer right, what’s the prize?” he asked again in that same low soft tone.

“And what question would that be, Mr. Matthews?” She couldn’t remember what she’d been thinking about much less saying before he walked up. He had the ability to wipe every thought from her head.

She stiffened her back in silent denial. No more, she thought, I can’t let him distract me. Not with everything that’s been going on, and especially after her strange visitor this morning. Could he be the evil Caprice had warned her of?

One black brow arched high on his gorgeous head. “You asked what the hell do you want from me?” He shot her a sexy grin. “I offered to guess the answer depending on the reward.” He stepped closer. “And the name is Galen. Didn’t we declare a truce last night?”

She remembered thinking about the morning’s events and must have said something loud enough for him to overhear. She’d have to be careful of her behavior from now on. “Yes, we did. Unfortunately for you, it was a rhetorical question.” She smiled. “Sorry. No prize this time.”

He didn’t seem to take offense at her tone. Instead, he seemed more amused than affronted.

“To what do I owe the privilege of this visit?” Regin asked.

He shoved his hands into the back pockets of his jeans and rocked back on his heels. The movement forced the denim to cradle his sex, drawing her gaze immediately. She turned her head, not wanting the conversation anywhere near the topic of sex. She’d be in over her head with this man.

“I came over to set up times for your lessons.”

She nodded, thinking it made sense to have a timetable to work with.

“Also,” he added, “to find out if you’ve watched the news at all?”

She looked back toward the sunset, which was nothing more than a few stray rays of orange and red spreading across the surface of the water. “No, I didn’t bring a set with me. Why?”

“There’s a storm brewing out in the gulf.” He walked over to join her at the rail. “It’s a tropical storm right now. They’re calling it Fate, and she’s headed our way.”

Her body froze, and she felt her eyes widen in shock. “What did you say the name was?”

****


Maybe she hadn’t been paying attention when he told her, but he’d bet there was something more going on in her pretty little head than she was letting on. “Fate. They’re calling it Fate.”

There it was again, that deer in the headlight look. What was wrong with this woman?

“Look, I’m sorry if the thought of a hurricane scares you.” He leaned closer. “Frankly, you don’t have time to be scared.”

She looked up at him with such innocent eyes, he wished he could puff up his lungs, blow like hell, and make the hurricane go away. Unfortunately, he couldn’t, and their survival depended on his actions.

“If she keeps to her course, she’ll hit within the next two days. We’ve got a lot to do before then. Now,” he raised a brow at her, “can I count on your help, or are you going to run to preppy boy?”

Why he persisted in taunting her, he didn’t know. She wasn’t going to run from a hurricane. From what he’d heard about her, Regin had never run from anything in her life. He was about to find out how strong her mettle was. It was one thing to face down a man she could fight back. It was a whole different ballgame trying to fight a force of nature that you had no hope of beating.