Family Secrets

Family

secrets

J H Moore

Published by J H Moore at Smashwords

Copyright 2014 J H Moore

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication

To my wife Julie, who believes in me, constantly encourages me, and lovingly types my hieroglyphics into something you can read. To Carol Pilgrim who, with my wife designed the cover of this book and encourages me in my writing. She and David Litts, my evil little dwarf, were the first beta readers of my books. Also, great thanks to Jennifer Olvey-St Andry, a beta reader who I have never met, but who cheerfully reads and gives advice. Her views are a great benefit to me. I am glad fate brought us together!

And last but certainly first to God, who gave me what talent I have and who holds my very breath in His hands. AMEN!

Family Secrets

Chapter 1

Hey, great costume! Jared grinned as he looked over the diminutive Balrog.

Thanks! A female voice came from deep within the headpiece.

Yours looks pretty good too! Jared turned to the elf assisting the Balrog in navigating the chairs in the ballroom.

Thank you! The elf smiled and curtsied slightly.

My sister! The Balrog offered. She helped me design the costume.

Hope you win! Jared waved as he headed for a seat. Both of you!

Neither of them did (though the Balrog did get an honorable mention) but they seemed to have a good time anyway. It was the first night of the Con, and the Tolkien fans had gathered for A Night at the Prancing Pony. A local, but well-known and accomplished Celtic band offered up a great array of music, while the revelers in attendance complied by supplying the dancers. The Balrog's costume prevented her from doing so, but her sister soon whirled and twirled herself to center stage. Her red satin, shawl-collared dress shimmered, and the silver threads running through her long black hair waved and winked as she lost herself in the songs. Her energy seemed endless, and she danced barefoot without pause or rest until the music finally stopped.

You must be thirsty! Jared smiled as the elf sat resting and catching her breath while allowing the crowd to thin.

I am! The elf grinned and nodded. And hungry.

Wanna come have some munchies? I have a bunch in my room.

I... uh... the grin disappeared.

Oh go ahead! The Balrog chuckled. I'll be okay.

Are... you sure? Deep concern crossed over the elf's face.

I'll be fine! I'm just going to the room to get this thing off.

Well... the elf sighed, okay.

Great! Jared grinned. Come on. I've been wondering why I brought so much.

As it happened they were on the same floor, in an out-of-the-way tower of the hotel just before you reached the bridge that crossed the street and led to the food court. The rooms were smaller here, but you could actually get the elevator in usually far less than the normal twenty minute wait for the ones in the main area. They saw the Balrog inside and helped her with her wings, then walked across the hall to his room.

Well, here we are! Jared smiled as he cycled the key card and opened the door. He went in, but his guest halted in the threshold. Come on in! He glanced back as he grabbed a bag of chips.

I... uh... I... don't mean to be rude... but... She glanced behind her. I'm not ready... for this.

Huh? Oh! Jared chuckled as he held up a sour cream and onion chips. I really did mean munchies.

I'm sure you did. She spoke in an unconvinced voice. Look... guess I'm just tired. I'm sorry... I...

I'm sorry. Jared sighed. How about breakfast? I hear their buffet is great.

Okay, She smiled. That would be nice.

You sure??

We... I don't lie. She flashed him a slight scowl.

Sorry. A corner of his mouth turned in.

I'm sorry. She glanced down briefly. See, I'm not good company tonight. I'll be better tomorrow. And yes... she smiled, I promise.

Huh?

Good night, Jared. She winked and walked away.

Uh... good night. Jared watched her until she went inside her room, then shut his door.

That was fast! The Balrog grinned up from her sprawled out position on the bed.

Nothing happened. The elf scowled as she pulled the dress over her head.

You didn't even eat?? The ever-so-slightly chunky girl sprang upright. You're way too uptight!

Danna... The elf pulled on the long nightshirt and put her hands on her hips, stop with the matchmaker stuff.

You need a guy!

One of yours, perhaps??

Ooooo... Danna creased her brow in mock furry, that was mean!

Well?? The elf's eyebrow shot up. There was a knock on the door and she jumped.

Guess he came to say goodnight! Danna grinned.

He did that already. The elf gave her sister an annoyed glance as she went to the door. She opened it slightly and looked out. A tall humorless man with a shaved head and a black suit glared back at her.

Uh... yes? The elf motioned behind her to her sister.

Hotel security. I'm here to talk about the noise.

What noise? We just got here... hey! She stumbled backwards as the man pushed his way in, followed by four others similarly dressed. The first man grabbed her and spun her around, flinging her face down onto the bed.

Hey... Danna bolted up, let her go!

Another man back-handed her and slammed her down next to her sister. Hey... she jerked her head up, let me go! Help! Hel... Her voice disappeared as the men jammed her face into the comforter. Her sister struggled but was pinned tightly by the other men.

The men applied flex cuffs to both, then the elf was yanked upright, while Danna was sprayed in the face at close range with a five second blast of pepper spray. She flailed and squawled as their attackers laughed.

One sound... the man with the shaved head jammed a pistol into the small of the elf's back, and you both die. Understand?

She nodded and he moved his hand from over her mouth.

Let's go! He motioned as he dragged her out the door, closely followed by his accomplices. The last one went back to Danna and sprayed her again, then laughed as he slammed the door behind him.

The bang of the door caught Jared's attention and he opened his door in time to watch the last suit enter the elevator and the door close, with what he was sure was his elf inside. He paused a moment, then went across the hall to her room. He received no response to his knocks, but he could hear someone crying inside.

Hey... come on... open up in there!

I... can't! Danna screeched back from inside.

Well... TRY!

Danna had fallen off the bed and hit face first, busting open her lip. The pepper spray quickly found the cut, which only added to her agony. After several attempts she managed to get to the door and work the latch enough for it to open. She collapsed on the floor and rolled herself into a tight ball.

Gees!! Jared gasped and blinked as his eyes watered. He looked down at Danna and saw that her face had become a bright, dark sunburned red, and her eyes nearly swollen completely shut. Come on! He grabbed her arm and pulled her up, pushing her into the bathroom.

OW! Let me go!

Get in! Jared shoved her into the shower as he turned cold water on full strength.

Let me go!!

No! Jared scowled. Look up!

No!!

Look... up! He grabbed her hair and pulled her head back. Now open your eyes.

Get these things off me! Danna struggled against the flex cuffs.

Open your eyes!

Get these off me!

Calm down and I will.

Alright, alright. I'm sorry. This hurts so bad!!

Yeah… I know it does. Open your eyes. Jared cut the flex cuffs with his multi-tool, but held her arms. Don't rub your eyes, okay?

Okay. Danna nodded. He released her and she rubbed her wrists as she let the shower flush out her now opened eyes. After about ten minutes he turned the water off.

Better? He passed Danna a towel. Pat your eyes. Don't rub!

A little, Danna obediently patted her eyes and face. It doesn't burn like it did, but it still hurts some. Thanks. She glanced down at her thoroughly soaked nightshirt. Enjoying the show? Danna looked up with a half smile.

Uh... sorry. Jared tried... and failed... to keep from smiling.

That's okay... A real smile showed this time, glad you did! Danna walked into the room and turned her back on him, then pulled off her nightshirt and dried.

Uh... what happened? Jared smiled as he watched.

Daddy's gonna be so pissed. Danna pulled on her jeans and a tee shirt. He told... us... not to come. She dumped herself on the end of the bed and began to cry.

What happened?

Some... guys... pretended to be cops... kidnapped her!

So... let's call the real ones! Jared headed for the phone by the bed.

No! Danna reached out and grabbed his arm.

Uh... why?? Jared pushed her ands away.

They... she's... different. Danna whimpered as she hid her face in her hands.

Don't do that. Jared pulled her hands away and lifted her chin. What's wrong?

We... we... we have to find her!! Danna's eyes became wild and she bolted for the door. Jared blocked her with his arm, then swung her back onto the bed.

Stay put!

No!! Danna glared. She needs us!

So... Jared continued to hold her down, where do we look?

Danna flashed him an ugly look, then flopped backward on the bed. I don't know.

How's the lip?

It hurts.

They both jumped as the door flung open (it had not been completely closed) and crashed against the wall.

Start packing, Danna's sister stormed in. You... she glowered at Jared, get out!

Hey... Danna raised herself up, be nice. He helped me!

Shut up! Her backhand sent Danna tumbling over the side of the bed.

What the hell was that for?? Danna shook the fog away as she got up.

Pack!

You can't go anywhere. Jared's eyebrow shot up. You made a promise.... remember?

The elf jerked around and glared at him with the eyes of a panicked lunatic. She began to shake from top to bottom, then suddenly she crumbled forward onto him and started squalling.

I'm sorry... I'm sorry!

Yeah... well... Danna rubbed the right side of her face.

Oh! Danna's sister rushed to her and pulled her close.

How'd you get away? Jared glanced at the dent the door handle had made in the wall.

The lobby's still pretty packed with people. She turned and sort of smiled. I... uh... broke away... and they couldn't get to me. Guess Lex Luther didn't want to make too big a scene. I rolled out my lip and a bartender freed my hands. She looked back at Danna. We've gotta go.

They will be watching. Jared sighed. Just chill for the night. You can sleep in my room.

No!! She snarled and clinched her fists.

Will you chill! Danna furrowed her brow.

I meant switch rooms. Jared's eyebrow went up

I'm sorry. I'm sorry, she plopped down next to him on the bed. That's a good idea. Thanks.

You're welcome. Jared smiled. Oh, and forget the cokes in the fridge. There's a bottle of wine in there too. He broke out into a grin. Use it!

Yeah... she chuckled, good idea.

There was a quiet, but still audible click as the door unlocked and slowly began to open... then stopped as it came into contact with the brass bar blocking its way.

Shit... a voice whispered, the bar's...

Kick it in. A louder and sterner voice snapped.

Uh... and wake up the whole f'n floor?

Move. The other man growled.

A high-powered mini-torch quickly cut through the brass, and the elongated U-shaped bar swung free, still hanging on the stud attached to the door. There was a pause to listen, then two armed men charged into the room. They froze when confronted with a cloaked and hooded figure blocking their way.

Welcome... a voice came from deep inside the hood, may I help you?

I... uh... the shaved-headed man glanced at his partner, hotel security. Where's the girls?

They have departed this room... in some haste. The hooded figure took a step forward, backing the two men up. Good evening... gentlemen.

The two men exchanged glances, then the tall, shaved-headed man motioned and they backed out of the room.

Good morning! Jared grinned back at the two half-opened eyes attempting to focus on him. Ready for breakfast?

I have a headache. Danna's sister sighed and walked back into the room.

She got wasted last night. Danna snickered as she watched her sister collapse face down on the bed.

I did not. The muffled voice protested weakly.

You drank the whole bottle!

You had... some!

Yeah... right. Danna smiled and grabbed her hand. Come on. You need food. Her sister nodded and she yanked and pulled her up.

Feeling better? Jared paused from eating to smile.

A little... she nodded as she cradled her third cup of coffee.

You need food! Danna stuffed a Danish in her mouth. I'll go get you some! She darted up and headed for the buffet.

So... Jared sighed, am I ever gonna find out your name?

Lex doesn't look too happy with me. She nodded toward the hotel security man glowering at them from across the lobby.

Your name? Jared's eyebrow went up.

Ra'na. The girl stared into her cup.

Ray-na... Jared repeated. That's a pretty name!

Thank you.

Where you from?

Savannah. Ra'na smiled at the server refilling her cup.

I mean the first time, Jared smiled. That's NOT a southern accent.

I AM Danna's sister! Ra'na snapped. I need to be going. Ra'na started to stand, and the hotel guard stiffened.

Sit down! Danna pushed her back down and plopped the plate in front of her. Steam rose from the made-to-order omelet and thick-sliced bacon.

Thanks, Ra'na sighed and looked away.

Ya know... Danna's lower lip rolled out, sometimes you're a real pain!

I'm sorry. Ra'na looked up as a tear rolled down her cheek. I'm tired of feeling like a hunted animal.

Eat, will ya? Danna pointed to the food. It's your favorite!

Ra'na sighed and nodded and began to eat.

Danna and Jared people-watched and bantered while Ra'na ate in silence for most of the rest of the meal. Toward the end she did loosen up some, and even laughed a time or two. By the time they were finished she had relaxed enough to stroll with them through the Con.

After walking around the two lower levels of the hotel... and peeking into the Hall of Virgins (where the gamers were holed up)... they crossed the street to the hotel housing the exhibit hall and art gallery. The two girls headed for the escalator, but Jared motioned them to the elevator.

Where are we going? Danna's brow creased. There's nothing up there!

Sure there is... Jared smiled, rooms... and Klingons!

Huh?? Both girls spoke at once.

You'll see.

A short walk from the elevator, after it stopped at an upper floor, Jared produced a room key and unlocked a door. He paused and smiled, then led them inside.

They gasped as they entered the spacious two room suite and walked around. All their belongings had already been moved, and the fridge stocked with munchies and drinks.

How?? Danna shrugged while giving him an incredulous look.

Jared... Ra'na's eyes narrowed.

Will you quit already! Danna slapped at her arm. This is cool!

Yes, Ra'na scowled, and we can't afford it.

It's taken care of. Jared smiled as he watched their reactions.

No, Ra'na spoke through her teeth it is not. Danna, get your stuff. She glanced at Danna then reached for her suitcase.

JERK!! Danna stomped off and locked herself in the bathroom.

Ra'na flung her suitcase back on the bed and went to the window.

Look... Jared came up behind her, I know... last night ... was...

You don't know anything.

You know, Jared folded his arms, you're straining my good humor. The room is yours, he tossed the key on the bed. Do what you want with it. Jared waited a moment for an answer and when none came he left the room.

A few minutes later Danna came out of the bathroom wiping her eyes to find Ra'na sprawled face down on the bed crying.

Hey... I'm sorry, Danna rubbed Ra'na's back. You're not a jerk. I... just wish... you'd...

I'm sorry, Ra'na whimpered. I guess I... ran off... another one.

You are pretty good at it! Danna chuckled and Ra'na cried even harder. Oh, I'm sorry! Maybe he'll come back when he calms down.

No... no... they never do!

I'll get you some water. Danna headed for the small bar. She stopped when she noticed something sitting on the bureau next to the TV.

Cool! Danna slowly turned the large gold coin in her fingers. Where'd this come from?

What? Ra'na rolled over and sat up. Her eyes popped out and she sucked in a quick gulp of air when she spotted the coin. Where was that?

There! Danna pointed to where it had laid.

Let me see. Ra'na hopped up and snatched the coin away.

Hey! Danna leaned in and pretended to study it with Ra'na. The coin was at least half again the size of a silver dollar. A crowned lion rampant was centered on one side, a rampant griffin on the other. Both were encircled with runes and a strange but elegant flowing script.

What is it? Danna glanced up to Ra'na. What does it say? Can you read it?

Oh God... Ra'na clinched her eyes tightly shut as she bit into her lower lip, what have I done?

Huh??

Come on! Ra'na grabbed Danna's hand and yanked her toward the door.

Where??

To find Jared! Ra'na stuffed the coin into a pocket of her jeans as she rushed them down the hall to the elevator.

For the next two days they roamed the exhibit and dealer halls, attended the Tolkien sessions, and walked through the art gallery three or four times. There were thousands of people attending the convention and finding someone on purpose was all but impossible. They tried, but without success. Danna soon lost herself in the excitement of the event, and Ra'na tagged along, pretending (and occasionally succeeding) to have at least a mild amount of fun. At night, though, her sister awoke to find her whimpering, clutching tightly the large gold coin.

They checked out Monday morning and, after wandering around the con a bit more, headed for home. Ra'na was visibly agitated and in a hurry to get home, to the point of being forced to talk her way out of a ticket as they passed through Forsythe. She produced the requisite tears and quivering lip (which were mostly real) and was let off with a stern warning. Danna took over the wheel and drove into Macon in search of food.

After a comfort food meal (Danna's variety) of pasta... and two glasses of wine for Ra'na... they groaned and started across I-16, one of the more desolate pieces of interstate highway around. Traffic was light, even though it was a holiday, and once they were well out of Macon they saw few cars.

As they passed the last exit to the small but growing town of Dublin, a tractor... minus its trailer... came up fast behind them. It began to pass as they approached the Oconee River, then swung hard to the right as they reached it, slamming into the driver's side of the little sports car and sending it crashing into the end of the bridge. Ra'na was partially ejected and sprawled across the hood as their vehicle cart-wheeled end over end, smacking down bottom up into the water. Air rushed out through shattered windows as it sank quickly into the murky river, swollen by storms that had passed through over the weekend. The truck took the next exit and disappeared.

Hi! Jared smiled at the half-opened eyes trying to focus on him. How are you?

Ra'...na... Danna's mouth scarcely moved at all where... is... she?

I... uh...

Pl... ease...

They... uh... Jared sighed and stared out the window, haven't found her... yet. He closed his eyes a moment, then turned back to her. I'm sorry.

What... day... is it?

Saturday. Around ten A.M.

Oh God... Oh God... Tears rolled from her eyes and into her ears. I...I've been out...

Calm down... calm down. Jared took Danna's hand and glanced at IV's imbedded in her arms, and the nasal canella driving oxygen into her lungs.

No... No! Danna tried to shake her head. No... one... will talk... to me. He just... stares... at me!

Who??

My... father. He... blames... me. Danna closed her eyes and whimpered. I know... he does.

One problem at a time. Jared glanced at the door. Rest. I'll be back in a while.

Please... find her.

I'll try. Jared kissed her forehead, then squeezed her hand and left the room.

He returned to the ICU waiting area to find Danna's father just as he had left him... staring bleakly at the floor.

Mr. O'Conner... Jared laid a hand lightly on Sean O'Conner's shoulder, you have two daughters.

Sean O'Conner tensed, then looked up and nodded.

Only one, now... he rose stiffly and sighed. Only one. His lip quivered as he made his way slowly to Danna's room.

An hour later Jared was leaning on the railing and gazing down into the Oconee River. Because of the rains it now blended in with the wooded wetlands that lined both banks for miles. The search for Ra'na's body had been called off that morning. Boats had dragged the river to a bend about a mile and an half past Turkey Creek, but had found no trace of her. They admitted, though, that she could be somewhere... anywhere... along the banks of the overflowing river. They had done pretty much all they could until the waters receded. It was too hazardous to try and take boats out into the swamp. It was a good thing, they said, that Danna was able to pull herself free and get to the highway. They were still trying to figure out how she did.

Yeah... Jared mumbled as he crossed to the other side of the interstate, but did she?

The view from the north side of the bridge was no more promising than that from the south. He climbed down and checked under the bridge itself, but there was nothing that even hinted she had been there. Still, Jared studied both banks on either side of the bridge for some time before finally giving up.

When he got in his car his nose began to twitch. His eyes watered and he gagged when he tried to breathe. He opened the window to get some air, then turned around to search out the source of the smell.

Hi. He reached over and ran his fingers through the tangled goo that used to be Ra'na's near-perfect raven hair. A quick scan of her as she lay across the back seat showed that the rest of her was in no better condition.

Help... me... Ra'na's hand haltingly reached up and took hold of his, my Lord.

After a quick visual recon to make sure none of the local revenue collectors were in sight, he made a u-turn across the median and sped back to Macon. He got a suite at the hotel near his favorite steak house, and managed to get Ra'na to the room without being seen. She headed for bed, but he pushed her into the bathroom and, over her protests, began removing her clothes.

Happy? Ra'na trembled as she labored to cover the important parts.

I will be... Jared quipped, when these clothes are in another state, and you've had four or five baths!

I'm cold. Ra'na gave him the nastiest look she could.

So, Jared shrugged, get in the tub!

She snorted and gave him an evil glare, then stepped into the tub. Whimpering and wobbling she tried to sit down, nearly tumbling over in the process.

I... can't... she stared at the floor. You'll have to help.

Not a problem! He smiled as he steadied her.

Even with his help it took a couple minutes to get her all the way down into the water. She clinched her eyes tightly shut, but allowed him to wash the swamp grime and blood away, patiently enduring the required four washings and rinses. Her hair was the biggest challenge, but they got it mostly clean. Getting her out was a far more difficult task, her face contorting as pain slashed through each time something else was moved. Finally, Jared got her more or less dry and onto the bed.

What... are... you doing? Ra'na tried to push his hands away as Jared began his examination.

Trying to see what's NOT hurt. He flashed her an annoyed look.

That's... easy, she managed a smile. Nothing.

Hmmmm... Jared scowled as he pressed lightly on her abdomen, finding it tight and slightly distended. He laid his ear to her chest and his frown grew worse.

Having... fun? Ra'na approximated a growl.

No. His voice was stern as his eyes narrowed. You need a hospital

You know... I cannot. She closed her eyes as a tear rolled out.

Your lungs are filling, you're bleeding internally... and I haven't even begun to list the broken bones and ribs. Oh yeah... and stitches! You need...

I can't!

Okay, fine. Jared huffed out a sigh. I'll be back. I'm gonna find a dumpster for those clothes so my appetite comes back. He started to leave, then stopped and turned back to her. Stay put!

When he returned he found that she had managed to get herself under the covers. Now two gray eyes peeked out to glare at him.

I told you not to move. The corners of his mouth curled in as he came to the bed and tugged on the covers. Let go.

No. She creased her brow, and winced from the multiple bruises on her face.

Look... Ra'na. Jared took her head in his hands. You are very badly hurt. I NEED to know how badly.

You did that already. Where's Danna?

She's in ICU at the local hospital. That reminds me... I need to tell them about you.

Help me... Ra'na's face contorted as she tried to sit up, I must go... to her. She flopped back down and began to cry.

Listen... Jared took her hand, cooperate now, and I'll get you there tomorrow... somehow. Okay?

Is that... a promise? Her eyes brightened a tiny bit.

A promise.

Okay, Ra'na smiled and let go of the covers. You win.

Thank you. He smiled and went to work.

Jared was not at all pleased with what he found. Ribs on both sides of her chest were broken, as was her right upper arm. Her left wrist was shattered, and lacerations... most of which were infected... covered most of the upper half of her body. Her face was best characterized as one big bruise. His worst concern though was what was going on inside. Her lungs were badly congested, and he was sure her abdomen was filled with blood.

You know you should be dead. Jared scowled and raised an eyebrow.

I think that was the point. Ra'na managed a chuckle.

Yeah, well, anyway... I have to go get some stuff to work on you with.

Oh, missing something? Ra'na's eyes twinkled.

Cute. He grinned. Keep that thought. First though, I need to deal with these cuts. By the way, what's your sizes?

Sizes?

Yeah... you know... clothes?

I'll let you guess. A puckish smirk flashed across her face.

Three hours later she was thrashing her head back and forth, screaming and gnawing on the washcloth jammed in her mouth as Jared scraped and cleaned the cuts and abrasions that seemed to be everywhere he looked. He was interrupted on occasion by several roundhouse swings, including one that smashed into his face and... he was sure... broke his nose. That one came when he discovered by chance the source of her internal bleeding... a narrow five inch long sliver of metal had impaled her on the left side of her abdomen. Not realizing its length, he began to remove it, then was forced to when she began to bleed profusely, then hemorrhage. He got the bleeding stopped (and as a by product her abdomen drained) but in the process nearly lost her... and made an incredible mess of the bed. Jared wrapped Ra'na's wrist and set her arm... then called housekeeping.

It took a very generous tip... both for cleaning and for silence... but the somewhat chunky housekeeper was soon grinning as she went about her work. In a short time Ra'na was back under the covers resting. She frowned when she spotted Jared approaching with some medicine bottles.

What are those?

Antibiotics... and steroids. Jared held out a capsule and a pill. Your temp is a hundred and four.

How many laws have you broken today? Ra'na stared doubtfully at the medicine.

Not many, Jared chuckled. Take them... please?

Ra'na's eyebrow shot up and she gave him a wry smile, then nodded and took the pills.

Thank you. He smiled. Now. Hungry?

Food... Ra'na chuckled. You know... I'm not.

Yeah... well... he sighed, we need to get something in you. How about chicken noodle soup and a sports drink.

Oh... yum. She gave him a decidedly unexcited look.

Yeah, well, I'll try to do better tomorrow.

Ra'na warmed to the soup, and had soon devoured two cans, plus most of a large bottle of sports drink. Her color, which had sunk from a pleasant pale to that of used up ash, returned somewhat, and after Jared wrapped her chest she was able to sit up a little while in the room's recliner.

How long, she watched him as he stretched out on the bed with a magazine, have you had... that coin?

We've always had them. He glanced around the room.

Uh...'we'?

We. Jared smiled. My father, my grandfather, great-grandfather... we've got a bunch of them!

How many's... a bunch?

Well... let's put it this way... he grinned. Harry Potter ain't got noth'n on me!

Really. She pushed back a little and gazed at the ceiling.

U-huh... he snickered, plenty to leave my children... if I ever have any.

Oh. She pulled her robe tighter together. So... how did you find me?

"Chance, I guess, or something else. I certainly wasn't looking for you... and I'm not a great believer in chance.

I'm not a great believer in anything. Ra'na sighed and continued looking up. I'll call it chance.

You may... I will not.

I am happy as I am. She turned her head to the wall in a poor attempt to hide her tears.

Are you really?

When no answer came, he looked over to see her whimpering, eyes locked tightly shut. Jared got up and went to the chair. We'll talk later, he took her hand. You need rest.

Ra'na silently nodded and let him help her to the bed. She allowed him to unwind the robe from her and help her maneuver herself under the covers. He kissed her forehead and she closed her eyes and drifted off to what seemed to be sleep.

Ok sucker... Ra'na's brow furrowed as she gazed down on Jared, asleep and snoring in the fully stretched out recliner. So where's your Gringot's? She bit down hard on her lower lip as she struggled with the robe, then snatched up his car keys and left the room.

It was a bit past three in the morning and the hallway was abandoned. Not even the sound of a television drifted from a room as she shuffled along barefoot toward the exit door near where she was sure he had parked his car. Only when the door slammed shut behind her did she pause to check the pockets of her robe. She scowled and turned to the parking lot.

No one has 'a bunch,' Ra'na mumbled as she struggled around the outside of the building in search of the car. No one.

After two passes she couldn't find it, and was forced to admit that she couldn't remember what kind of car he was driving. She hadn't brought a room key so she had to get back into the hotel through the main entrance, to the bemused delight of the night clerk. Ra'na stood outside her room a full five minutes before knocking. It took another two before Jared awoke.

Sleep walking? Jared's eyebrow shot up as Ra'na practically fell into the room. He caught her and led her to the bed.

No one... has 'a bunch'! Ra'na glared and fought to sound stern. Who are you... and what do you want?

Grateful little bugger... Jared leaned back in the recliner. I like that.

Dammit! Ra'na slammed her left fist into the bed, then howled as the pain raced around her wrist and up her arm. Dammit... she fought for breath, tell me.

Go to sleep... Jared scowled and sighed as he got up and turned off the light, we'll talk tomorrow. He stretched the recliner back out to its full length and was soon back asleep.

Ra'na struggled to keep watch another hour, but fatigue got the best of her and she finally drifted off the fitful sleep.

Smartass. Ra'na half scowled, half smiled when she opened her eyes and spotted the buckskin bag sitting on the pillow next to her. A moment or so later she heard the door unlock and Jared came in carrying two styrofoam boxes.

Ready for real food? He smiled as he sat the boxes on the table. Sorry, you get scrambled eggs and toast today. We'll see how you do with that. Wanna try to eat at the table?

What 'try'? She furrowed her brow. Not a prob... her mouth dropped open in a silent scream as she tried to raise up. Oh... crap! That hurts!

Stiffened up, huh, Jared chuckled as he strolled to the bed. Thought you'd be a little sore. Still wanna try?

Yeah... she nodded, gimmie a hand. With the requisite grunts, groans and squawks, Ra'na managed to get to her feet with his help and shuffle her way to the table. They ate mostly in silence, but she would occasionally glance at the drawstring bag on the pillow, looking back at Jared to be annoyed by his cat who ate the canary grin. After they finished she forced herself to her feet and looked around. Where's the clothes?

Clothes? Jared shrugged, his forehead raised.

You promised. Her eyes became slits as she snarled through her teeth.

You are SO much fun to mess with! He laughed as he got up and retrieved a bag. Here. See how you like it.

So far I'm impressed. She glanced at the name on the bag. She pulled out the emerald green sun dress and light weight jacket. She studied the price tag and smiled. Now I'm very impressed! She opened the small bag from a well known lingerie store and grinned. Now I'm gonna slap you.

Like it?

Which? She smiled. The dress or the 'why bother' thong?

Uh... both? He grinned and emptied his coffee cup.

Yes... I do. She blinked her eyes and betrayed a tear. Thank you. I... I... Her chin quivered and her lips rolled in.

I'm glad you do. He kissed her cheek. Wanna try to get dressed yourself... or...

You know I'll need help. She sighed. Might as well cut to the chase.

I'll behave. He grinned as he took hold of her robe.

You'd better... Ra'na's eyebrow shot up, I'll recover from this adventure one day.

They got her dressed with minimal tears then, after a dose of strong pain medication, Jared led the way as Ra'na practiced walking as normally as possible to the mini-motor home waiting at the back door... complete with a red handicapped tag hanging from the mirror.

No wonder I couldn't find the car. Ra'na creased her brow as he opened the door.

More comfortable, Jared grinned as he helped her inside. She flashed him a very suspicious glance, but readily curled up in the plush oversized swivel chair on the passenger side.

You do have a point, she smiled a little. I'm still suspicious, though.

Good! Jared grinned. Use the seatbelt.

When they arrived at the hospital they found that Danna had improved enough to be moved out of ICU into a room. Both she and their dad nearly died of fright when Ra'na knocked on the door and shuffled in.

They said you were dead!! Danna screeched as both hands shot out toward Ra'na.

They were almost right. Ra'na collapsed into the closest chair as her father stared, wide-eyed and silent. Give me a minute. How are you?

I hear swamp water's not good for breathing. Danna chuckled and coughed. Other than that, okay. How are YOU... really??

Pick a place... Ra'na smiled, it probably got hurt. I'll be okay... in a little while. She looked at Sean. Hi Daddy.

Did ya go to mass this mornin'? Sean's eyes twinkled. It wouldn't hurt to say 'thank you' once in a while.

You don't give up, do you? Ra'na smiled, but there was annoyance in her voice.

You know we shouldn't be seein' ya, don't you? His voice became fatherly.

I know. Ra'na closed her eyes and hung her head.

Jared... Sean walked to the door, can I see you outside a moment?

Uh... sure. Jared squeezed Ra'na's shoulder and followed him out.

You know... Danna held out her hand, "you could make Daddy happy every once in a while.

I'm not a hypocrite, Danna... she took her hand. I'm sorry.

Okay, Danna smiled and sighed, I won't pick on you.

Thank you. Ra'na struggled up and kissed her.

Can you hide her? Sean studied the parking lot from the window at the end of the hallway.

Huh? Jared watched the patrol car slowly weave its way through the lanes.

By this time tomorrow they will know she's alive. Sean lowered his voice. Can you hide her?

Yeah... Jared nodded, I think so. Who am I hiding her from?

They are... Sean sighed and glanced back down the hall, then stiffened. Look!

Jared spun around and two men, one on either side of her, pulled Ra'na by the arms toward the elevator.

Wait... Jared blocked Sean from going forward with his arm as he reached for the fire alarm. That didn't take long. He grabbed the pull ring and snatched the cover off and pulled the alarm just as the elevator doors opened and yanked Sean into the nearest room.

I'm sorry, he smiled and nodded at the elderly lady giving them a kind but befuddled smile. Must have the wrong room.

That's okay. She grinned. Hope you find the right one!

Thanks! Jared grinned back and hurried out, almost