Redemption (6 page)

His arms were wrapped around her waist as she grasped the railing. They stood on the platform at the back of the moving train, watching the sunrise.

“I never want to forget this moment,” he whispered in her ear.

“I never will, Ryan.” She turned around to face him, but the train caused another jostle. She lost her grip on the railing and went over the side, her screams echoed in his mind as she fell. He reached out for her, but the events happened too quickly for him to interrupt. Her body hit the ground and rolled down a steep hill. The trees were thick in the forest the train was cutting through and at that moment, she was gone from his sight.

Her broken body came to rest at the edge of a riverbank, blood streaming from the wounds she had sustained during her fall. She lay unconscious and barely breathing.

A broad figure came running to her side. He swept her up into his arms and sped off like lighting.

He laid her to rest on his bed in his home in the forest. He wiped the blood trickling from her nose with his thumb before he brought it to his lips and tasted it. A split second later, her wrist was in his tight grasp. He brought it to his mouth, bore his teeth dripping with his venom, and sank them into her soft flesh.

She cringed slightly at first as the venom entered her veins. He continued to drink – three swallows, four swallows, five... Eventually, he broke his grasp and placed her arm back at her side.

Her wounds began to heal as her face contorted from pain to pleasure.

Ryan turned off the video and threw the device onto the floor. He stared out the window, now with even more questions than answers while Peter picked up what remained of the shattered phone at their feet.

“He turned her. That’s why she’s still alive?”

“Not alive exactly, but existing, yes. If he hadn’t, she would have made it up there much sooner than you did.”

“I would have lost her anyway?”

“Yes.”

“But now, that was her; it was really her. Why, why did you take me away?”

“It’s been a long time. Her existence is very different now. She’s not the same woman you married.”

“She sat there, weeping for that man. He was human. How did she do it?”

“Years of practice. Lily blends in quite well with modern society. She’s actually one of the good guys.”

“A vampire? One of the good guys?” Ryan asked, genuinely curious.

“She’s one of three on the roster at The Manchester Group. She’s done some great work; pulled us out of more than a few scrapes.”

“Then why now? Why this way?”

Peter took a long look into Ryan’s face. He saw the desperation crying out from every pore. “Lily and I have worked together over the years. She’s had a fairly rough time of it. When I realized who you were to her, I put some plans in motion.”

“Do I even want to know?”

“I made some arrangements for you to take some time off. I’m not sure how long I can keep everyone off your trail, but I think she really needs you now. I know you need her.”

“You’re going to let me go back, just like that?” Ryan asked skeptically.

“Just like that? The man she found you with, he had been like a father to her over the past couple of years. She’s going to begin questioning what she is. You need to be there, if only for a little while, to give her a reason to keep fighting. You deserve to be together again. I just can’t guarantee how long it will be for.”

“When can I go back?”

“Soon.”

The darkness of Renee’s apartment was all consuming. Lily’s existence had become so intertwined with the humans around her, that she was subjecting herself to the ultimate torture. She was tormented by the love she felt for those humans, who by all means should only be a source of sustenance. Yet, she couldn’t let go.

Since her re-birth, she had only been close to two humans in which she had to mourn their passing. Erik had taken her in over the past few years and for some reason loved her like another daughter. His kind eyes and robust smile always reminded her of her own father. She allowed herself to become part of his family, knowing with every part of her, it was a tragedy waiting to happen.

The other, was a young mother named Anne. Just the thought of Anne’s horrific death and the agonizing years that followed sent a painful wave of raw emotions through her entire being. Now, once again, she would have to deal with the painful loss of a human who got too close.

The events of the day had left both she and Renee exhausted. Lily had tucked Renee into bed and settled down on the now ruined sofa with a warm brandy. She had taken a few minutes to run home and get a few things. Her laptop was the one thing she was hoping would ease her night of restlessness.

She had found a new sofa online. Maybe a small token of a new sofa would help ease the pain of the loss of a father… Most likely not.

She went to check her e-mail and saw that she had updates from Manchester. Her secretary, or more aptly put, her back-up, Tess, made sure she didn’t miss a moment of all the necessary gossip. It was the third such e-mail in a week. Endless stock reports from all over the world stuffed her inbox. Sifting through everything, she finally found one worthy of study – a video file from Becca.

She opened the file and anxiously waited as it buffered. Becca appeared on the screen, sitting in a familiar chair, in a familiar room.

“Hey you! I know we just talked this morning, but I wanted you to see my smiling face and wish you a happy birthday. I’d say it’s another twenty-fifth this year, right?”

Becca knew her so well.

“I really wanted to send you a present. I found something perfect at that antique market you love so much. Problem is, I don’t know where the hell you are!”

Becca paused to gather her thoughts.

“You know, if I try, I will find you. Why don’t you just save us both some time, and me all the heartache and just let me know where you are. I know you are having a rough time right now, but that’s what family is for. I’m here for you. I love you and I miss you terribly, so get off your ass and come home. I will find you, you know I can. I want to hear from you soon.” Becca tilted her head with a pout. “I hope you had a wonderful birthday.”

The clip ended and Lily let out a huge sigh. She knew Becca would find her, but right now, she couldn’t bring her into the life she had made. Becca was the only person who knew almost everything there was to know about Lily. At times it was a tremendous relief to have her, although at others, it felt like she had placed an overwhelming burden on Becca. She felt selfish for having her in her life, but even the distance could not break the kind of bond the two of them shared.

Lily knew she needed to put Becca’s mind at ease, so she queued up the web-cam and swept a stray piece of hair behind her ear as she began. She knew she wouldn’t be able to hide her emotions from someone who knew her so well, so she wouldn’t even try.

“Hey sweetie, I was afraid you were going to reach through the screen and grab me if I didn’t respond soon. Stranger things have happened, you know?”

Lily looked down at her hands, hopelessly intertwined. Her eyes dark pools, not from hunger, but from emotion.

“You know me too well. It has been really rough here, especially today. I haven’t had a day like this since the day your mother died.”

Lily’s breath caught in her throat.

“Someone here, who I’d become close to, passed away today. I had nothing to do with it, mind you. A heart attack. Now, I feel I’ll be here even longer than I had ever expected. I’ve kind of found a new home away from home. It’s sort of effortless here, but I know I can’t exist in this symphony of darkness forever.

I do miss you. It’s been way too long since we’ve seen each other. I will never forget how incredibly embarrassed I was when I looked into the audience and saw you in the crowd. I thought I was going to get the talking-to, but you were just supportive as always. If you could find me in Vegas, I know you could find me here. I need a little more time. Just know that I’m safe and I can always take care of myself.

I think the temptation would be too great if I came back now. You don’t know how close I came to telling Ian everything. I wish I would have been able to see how he’d react. I wish you would have seen us in Boston, it was almost magical. I knew him for such a short time, but there was something so familiar about him. I felt so safe, too safe. I let down my guard and somehow fell in love, something I thought would never happen again. Not after Ryan.

I know it’s been a long time and he’s gone now, but I can’t get him out of my head. I remember everything about the last night we spent together. I know you’ve heard the story a million times, so I won’t bore you with it. I guess I just want that again. I had it, a little, with Ian. But even though I love him, I couldn’t doom him to a life with me. It’s bad enough that you’ve been stuck with me all these years. I hope it hasn’t been too terrible for you.”

She stroked her slender fingers through the hair that dangled past her shoulders. “There will be a funeral soon, in a few days I think. I’ll be kind of caught up in that for a while. I promise, we’ll see each other soon. I love you.”

Lily blew a kiss before shutting off the web-cam. Dry sobs came hopelessly pouring out of her as she pressed the button to send the video on its way.

“Aent Swift, if you would please fasten your seat belt. We are about to make our final descent. Welcome to Boston.”

Becca had stowed her things away and securely fastened her belt at least thirty minutes before the pilot had made his announcement. She was trying to work through the hundreds of scenarios swimming through her head. She was at last meeting Ian – Lily’s Ian. Possibly the man that could give Lily the happiness she truly deserved.

How would Ian take the news?

Would he even believe her?

How much would he want to know?

Could she really pull this off?

Her nerves were visibly fraying. Boston was only the beginning of her journey. Would Ian be willing to go with her after he knew their secrets?

Becca’s private plane landed at Logan International Airport without incident. The steward had her bags in the awaiting black sedan before she even stepped on the tarmac.

She settled comfortably into the back of the sedan while getting back in touch with the real world as she had kept her Blackberry off the entire flight. Turning it on might have been a mistake. She was instantly flooded with messages – her boss calling asking why she thought this was a good time to take an extended vacation, her partner calling confused… Then, a welcoming voice, Sam Fleming.

She listened carefully. “Becca, or should I say, Agent Swift. I was so pleased to get your message that you were on your way back to Boston. My office will be at your disposal during your stay. You can reach me day or night through the office, as always. Look forward to seeing you soon.”

She saved Sam’s message and went on to her e-mail. Lily popped up as the video began to play and Becca started to tear up at the thought of her mother. Lily had taken such good care of her then. She hoped that whoever was hurting from their loss now, Lily would be a comfort.

“If you could find me in Vegas, I know you can find me here.” Lily’s voice echoed through her ears, as the vision of Lily getting her G-string stuffed on the Vegas strip came to mind. She knew the girl couldn’t have gone as long as she had with all that pent up sexual frustration. She knew Lily had just needed to get a little down and dirty, flush it out of her system. She also thought that if she’d had Lily’s body, she would have done the same thing.

The tears were free flowing by the time she mentioned Ian’s name. When Lily admitted how much she loved him, Becca was convinced she was doing the right thing.

Lily’s devotion to Ian led to her painful admission about Ryan. She had told Becca the stories over and over about their secret romance and Becca thought of it as the most tragic fairytale she’d ever heard. If she could do anything to bring the fairytale back by making Ian a part of her life again, she would do it.

The butterflies in her stomach fluttered as the car pulled up to the town house. She had just opened her car door to find Ian there with a hand waiting to help her out.

“I thought you were going to call when you got in.”

She placed her hand into his as she gracefully slid from the sedan to the sidewalk. The butterflies turned into an raging swarm as she finally met his eyes. She could feel the blood rush to her face, causing that oh so embarrassing rose colored glow.

She noticed the heather gray t-shirt that hugged his torso in all the right places and the faded blue jeans hung low on his hips. He must have been in the middle of something; it was a cold January day and he had neglected to slip any shoes on or a coat. His bare feet with perfect toes made her a little unsteady on her high heels.

“I got a little…distracted, sorry.”

Becca’s voice slightly faltered as she spoke. She wasn’t really sure what to expect of the man who stood before her, looking her over. She was dressed in her most professional outfit and had added the heels instead of her usual flats to place herself at a more confident height.

Ian noticed her black pencil skirt below her tailored matching jacket. A hint of powder blue peaked above her jacket buttons, concealing it almost completely. Wisps of her auburn hair were falling around her face from the bun that rested at the back of her neck. He instantly felt like she was an old friend he was welcoming home from a long trip.

“No, it’s fine, really. I’m so glad you’re finally here. Is this all of it?” Ian asked, lifting the bags as the driver placed them beside him.

“Yes, but you don’t have to…” She gave up as he ascended the front steps. She let her eyes drift to his firm biceps, bulging as he tightened his grip on the handles.

The driver drew her out of her daydream. “Let us know if you will need anything during your stay in Boston. Mr. Fleming has instructed me to have a car at your disposal at all times.”

“Please relay to Mr. Fleming my sincere gratitude, and that I look forward to meeting with him again soon.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

The driver walked around the back of the sedan to the driver’s seat. Ian was already back down the stairs before the driver had a chance to drive away.

“I hope you’re hungry. When I need something else to do with my hands, I cook.”

“I’m famished actually.”

“Good.” Ian led Becca into the house, straight to the kitchen.

An amazing aroma of tomatoes and fresh herbs teased her senses.

“I think you may have found my one weakness.”

“Italian food, huh? I would have pegged you for a fish and chips kinda gal.” Ian stirred his sauce causing fragrant waves to waft in Becca’s direction.

“I love Italian food. I thought about becoming a chef for a while, even studied in Italy.”

“What changed your mind?”

“I had a lust for violence. The FBI seemed like the safest choice.” She felt her hair fall at the back of her neck. “Would you mind if I got cleaned up a little? It was a pretty long flight.”

“Sure. I put your bags in the first room on the right.” He pointed down the hallway.

“I’ll only be a few minutes.”

She slipped down the hall to the bedroom and found her suitcases lying on the end of the bed. She kicked off her shoes, and her feet immediately thanked her. She slipped off her jacket and skirt, before throwing them over a nearby chair. She stood in her powder blue tank top and underwear and pulled the band that was holding some of her hair in place. Her auburn waves fell far past her shoulders to caress her exposed backside.

She thought by Ian’s attire, that casual was the way to go. She pulled out her favorite pair of jeans and slid into them and sighed at the instant comfort. She grabbed her navy hooded sweatshirt, slipping it over her arms, comforted by its soft cotton.

By the time she returned to the kitchen, Ian had dinner waiting.

“Come, sit.”

He directed her to the kitchen table; a glass of red wine was already poured for her. She noticed the bottle sitting next to it.

“Lily’s favorite.”

“She left several bottles behind. I think she must have had stock in the vineyard or something.”

She does.
Becca smiled as he brought their plates to the table.

“I hope it’s not too much. Just some sausage spinach ravioli with tomato cream sauce.” He sat across from her awaiting her reaction.

“Wow, this is the closest thing I’ve had to a date in God knows how long.” Becca smiled because it was so true.

“Don’t tell me that you don’t have a boyfriend, husband, or girlfriend to wait on you hand and foot.”

“Uh, no. No boyfriend to speak of in three years, so definitely no husband. Never really thought of myself as having a girlfriend type, but maybe I just haven’t met the right girl.”

Ian smiled as he swallowed his first bite. “You were saying you had been distracted earlier.”

“I thought I would try one more time to get through to Lily. I sent her a video message right after we talked last. She responded and I had to watch it to see if I could show it to you.”

“I’d understand if you didn’t want to.”

“I do. There are just some things you won’t understand and I’m going to have a lot to explain. Are you sure you’re up to this?” Becca asked, taking a deep breath for good measure.

“I’m all ears. You can tell me anything.”

“It’s not all good. By the time I’m finished, you might want to give up on her all together.”

“She’s married?” Ian asked warily.

“No.”

“She’s a lesbian?”

“No.”

“She’s a Republican?”

Becca laughed. “No, I don’t think she even votes.”

“I don’t see how anything you would say wouldn’t be anything I haven’t already thought of myself.”

“I know she’s really going to kill me for just being here,” Becca sighed, taking a sip of her wine.

“You look like a woman who can protect herself.”

“From drug dealers and corrupt politicians maybe, but Lily is a whole different story.”

“Then we’ll make your death a meaningful one. You’re only looking out for her happiness, that will have to mean something.”

“We’ll see.” Becca pulled her Blackberry out of her pocket. She cued up the video file and set the Blackberry down between them and held her breath as it began to play.

“I haven’t had a day like this since the day your mother died.”

Ian immediately paused the video and turned to Becca waiting on an answer.

“She was with my mom and I the day she died. If it weren’t for Lily, I don’t know how I would have made it.”

“Can I ask, what happened?”

“A brain tumor; the one thing Lily couldn’t fix. It all came on so sudden. By the time we found out, it was already too late. It was quick though, the doctors made her comfortable and in the end, I really don’t think she suffered.”

“God, I’m so sorry. I can’t even imagine.” Ian shook his head in disbelief.

Becca turned the video back on. Her breath caught in her chest as she heard Lily talk about Ian. His eyes smiled, glistening with unspent tears. Then she said his name – Ryan.

He knew very little about Lily’s relationship with Ryan, but he could see that just the thought of his name was torture, as she explained how she just couldn’t forget him.

The video came to an end with Lily’s kiss to the camera and Ian turned to see tears streaming down Becca’s face. He brushed the apple of her cheek with a dish towel. She laughed softly at the touch of his thumb across her tear stained cheek. It only made it worse.

“You really love her, don’t you?” He asked, as he placed the towel in Becca’s hand.

“She’s my best friend. It’s been really hard without her these past months.”

“She said something about Vegas. You found her there?”

“After she left Portland last year, she turned up in Vegas. Only she could tell you why, but she ended up dancing at a club on the strip.”

“Lily…a dancer?”

“More like a stripper. She never went any further than that with her customers. I think it was just something she had to do for herself. I don’t know what happened, but she ended up leaving suddenly and came back here.”

“Why wouldn’t she tell me any of this? Why all the secrecy?”

Becca wiped a stray tear from her face then reached for the bottle of wine. She made sure both of their glasses were full. After drinking half of hers, she composed herself enough to go on.

“My mother worked for Lily. Lily had always tried to keep people at arms length, but my mom and I somehow got through to her. When my mom died, Lily was all I had. She took me in, even though she had no idea what she was doing. She helped me make the best out of my life.”

“How long ago did this happen?”

“Take another drink before I tell you; it might help soften the blow.” Ian reluctantly drank. “I was eight. I know you’re thinking
‘how is it even possible’.
This is the part where you should probably swallow before that wine comes spewing out.”

Ian swallowed hard before following it up with another drink and swallow. “That would make her much older than you are. But, you look about the same age. How old is she?”

Becca opened her mouth but nothing escaped past her lips. She had never wanted to tell someone so badly the secret she had been holding inside for so many years.