Chapter 34: Her Dream

Grace’s heart went back to a normal beat, but sped up as she realized that the colors weren’t dancing in front of her eyes. Dizziness didn’t threaten her. Instead his warmth covered her and she felt safe.
“It’s over now.”
Zach didn’t let go and her heart leapt at the idea. But she ended up pushing him away. She couldn’t risk getting involved. Not after last time. No good could come of it.
She had a job to do. Her last soul to save before her birthday.
“What?”
His eyes searched her.
“I’m okay. Thanks.”
The covers had slipped down and she pulled them over her. He was freshly showered and fully-dressed.
“Grace, let me help.”
“You are helping.”
“I mean, let me be here for you.”
His eyes pleaded with. It wouldn’t take much to just lean on him. Let him deal with the weight on her shoulders. But part of her couldn’t.
“No.” She spat out the word too fast. He flinched. She didn’t mean to reject him, but she couldn’t get close. She’d just lose him and that would hurt more then keeping him at arm’s length. “Sorry,” she said in a softer tone.
He stood, his gaze now wary, but intent. He was trying to reach into her soul. “They haven’t found Mark.”
“Oh?”
Where would he be? And why had he bailed on her?
“No. Think, Grace. Where would he be?”
“I truly don’t know.”
“He’s supposed to be your best friend.”
He certainly wasn’t acting like one. “I know. He’s been through a tough time.”
“And getting shot at is easy?”
He sat back down as if his legs couldn’t hold him anymore. “Grace, let him go. Let this whole thing go.”
“No, I have to save Dolores.”
“She’s going to her mother’s house tonight. They live in a gated community. She’ll be fine.”
“Then what am I supposed to do?”
“Go on with your life. Dolores isn’t going to die.”
“I can’t be so sure. The killer could wait until we least expect him.”
And after tomorrow, If Dolores died again, she’d stay dead. A clock ticked in Grace’s mind. Less than twenty four hours. Barely even eight and she’d never go back in time again.
“Maybe, but Dolores isn’t your problem.”
“You don’t understand. She asked me to save her.”
He ran a hand over his face then put it on hers. The colors came back and her heart beat double time. The vision didn’t obscure him this time and she saw his face come closer to hers. “Give it up, Grace.”
His scent filled her nostrils, soap and aftershave. Her mouth went dry. What would she see if he kissed her?
His lips brushed her forehead. The colors exploded into a cacophony of blues and greens. Her pulse thrummed through her and she knew if he did put his lips on hers, she wouldn’t be able to resist. She might even go up in flames.
She’d had lovers before this, but none had touched her this way. No one caused her vision to blur or her heart to race.
“Grace,” he said, his voice a butterfly in her ear. “I need to go.”
She pulled him to her. “Just a few more minutes.” She’d draw from his strength and warmth. She’d get through this day.
His hands gripped her shoulders. “I can’t.” He pushed her away, then stood. “I need to go to work.” His voice cracked on the last word.
She slumped back into the pillows both relieved and disappointed. “Drop me home.”
“No. I want you to stay here.”
“And what should I do while you’re gone?”
He’d changed from jeans to slacks and a button down shirt. The color wasn’t opened revealing a solid neck. His pulsed bounced through a vein at his throat. So he’d been aroused too.
He hadn’t rejected her outright.
“Surf the net. I don’t really care. Just don’t go out or open the door for anyone.”
She sighed, not thrilled, but resigned. “Okay.”
Zach left, then Grace pulled on her clothes.
***
Zach ran into his ex-boss outside his store front office. Cars whizzed past on Main Street as he stopped to talk to Kent Winger. The man squirmed and Zach wondered what the man had to hide.
“Wanted to see your new digs and how you were getting along,” Kent explained.
Zach hadn’t been close to his old boss so the visit was a complete surprise. He must have some other motive.
“Come on in then.”
The man’s gazed darted to his watch then ran up and down the street. “No time.” He cleared his throat. “How’s Dolores doing?”
“She’s getting released today.”
“That’s great.”
His boss looked around the street and not at him during the exchange.
“You okay?”
“Sure. Why not?”
“No reason,” Zach said, but he tucked this behavior into his brain in case it continued.
“See you around.”
Zach stared at his boss’ back before he entered his office. The encounter left him with too many questions. Where did Kent figure into this puzzle? He shook off the nagging feeling that the answers were in front of him. “is HHeOdd.”
Mark, Grace’s friend, sat at his desk. Not phased by his appearance, Zach slid into his chair, then eyed this weasel of a man. He didn’t expect to believe anything he said.
“Shall we add breaking and entering to your list of sins?” Mark gave him a shrug and a sheepish grin. That probably worked on women, but Zach was inured to lame excuses. He’d heard them all. “So what’s your story? The detectives from last night are looking for you.”
Mark licked his lips. His clothes were rumpled, but the man himself was freshly showered. Wherever he spent last night had running water.
Zach’s sympathy level didn’t budge. This man had run out on his alleged best friend and on a criminal investigation. The latter was awful, but the former was unforgivable. Zach only understood loyalty. Probably why Dolores was still in his life.
“Uh.”
Zach held up his hand. “Don’t lie. You’re in some trouble already. You’re the best suspect.”
Mark straightened in his chair, his eyes wider than the prairie. “Me? Why would I try to kill Dolores.”
“Dolores?”
“Wasn’t that who the killer was going for?”
Guess Grace had told him about someone after Dolores. He’d play along. “You’ve met her?”