Trevor McKeon took a month long vacation near the ocean to find inspiration to finish his book. He needed, and craved, solitude. But, when he finds a beautiful young woman unconsciuos on the beach, Trevor is caught up in a dangerous quest to help the frightened girl remember who trid to kill her, and who she is! In the meantime, he must keep her hidden at his cabin.
TideWater! By Denise Edwards Page1
He was pretty sure his cabin was just over the next rise. The fog was so thick, Trevor couldn't see 5 feet in front of him. Shep, his big german shepard, had no such problem seeing thru the damp mist, as they walked back from their nightly jog. Trevor's shirt was damp, and stuck to his atheletic body. He strained to see. Three times already, he missed his path home. He was getting irritated. This stuff would get worse before it got better. Trevor loved living near the ocean. He loved the solitude. His nearest neighbor was half a mile west of Trevor's cabin, which was half a mile from the beach , down a tree lined path that obscured it from public view. Trevor realized he had travelled too far west when he saw his neighbor's house rise in the dense fog. TideWater. That was the name of the huge mansion that sat up on the high sandbank. Trevor swore softly and turned back, to try yet again to find his own dwelling, but stopped and strained his ear to the west. He thought he heard a voice, a soft cry. After about 45 seconds of silence, he started east. "probably seagulls, flying blindly into the high embankments because of the fog. maybe I'm not the only one lost out here" Trevor mumbled. Suddenly he heard the sound again, but this time he recognized it as a scream!
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 2
Trevor looked up towards the big house on the hillside. Carlton Gladewhite, a US Senator, lived there with his widowed mother. As he walked in the direction of the sound, it grew louder, as if it was atcually coming towards him. Nervous now, Trevor started up the slick grassy path towards Gladewhite's place. As they walked, Shep growled low in his throat, warning Trevor, sensing danger. Trevor bent and gently patted the dog's damp fur " easy boy. should we go see what's going on, or turn around and get on home?" Suddenly, out of the fog appeared two sillouettes. They seemed to be dancing, but what Tevor was seeing was a man and woman, struggling at the edge of the embankment. That wasn't good!
Below the embankment were large jagged rocks that led out into the cove. If anyone fell in there, their chances of survival were pretty silm! Once again , Trevor started up the path, which was about a hundred feet from where the two figures stood. He couldn't hear what they were sayng, but the woman appeared to push away from the man, but he held her shoulders and shook her, then he slapped her hard across her face. The woman screamed, and Trevor winced himself, at the sound slap. Angry now, he bade Shep to stay put. Trevor dreaded this, but it looked like he was going to have to intervene and help the woman. But wthat he really wanted to do was go home, take a hot shower, feed his dog, and saCk out in front of the fireplace with a glass of good brandy. But he couldn't turn his back on one in need. before Trevor could stand up to his full 6 ft., he heard a bloodcurdling scream, and looked up just in time to see the woman's form falling down the embankment...towards the jagged rocks!......
.
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards page 3
Trevor turned and quickly ran back down the path away from Tidewater. He couldn't believe what he saw! Did he just see a woman fall into the jagged rocks? He sprinted faster, then stopped and walked steady to where the small, still figure lay. She was so still, Trevor feared the worst. There was no sign of the man she was with, which worried Trevor. He looked around, but saw no one. He cursed himself for leaving his cellphone at home! He bent over the girl and placed his cheek close to her mouth, but he didn't detect a breath. Then he picked up her small wrist and felt for a pulse. There it is! very weak, but a pulse! Feeling great relief, Trevor sighed heavily and closed his eyes in a short prayer of thanks. Trevor checked for broken bones, but none of her joints seemed out of place. That didn't mean no broken bones, though. Shep whined and turned around and around, agitated. Trevor realized there was only one thing to do. He would have to take her to his place and call for help. He gentley eased his big, strong hands under the small woman and carefully lifted her into his arms.
He stood slowly, and as he and Shep walked away, Trevor looked back up towards the big sky-blue house above the ocean. Even though it was closer than Trevor's place, he felt uncomfortable taking her there. Trevor didn't see the face of the man who was with the girl when she fell, but he couldn't rule out the possibilty that it could have been Carlton Gladewhite. Whoever he was, why didn't he come down to check on the girl ,to see if she was alright, go get some help? As he hurried along carrying the injured woman, Trevor tried to ignore the cold chill that suddenly overtook him....What if it wasn't an accident as he thought? What if she was pushed? Why would someone want this woman dead?Trevor didn't have any answers yet, but he would find out. His longtime friend, Rusty Hammond, would help him. He was already suspicous of Gladewhite. He hoped his suspicions were unfounded, because that would be very dangerous for the woman...And for Trevor!.....
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards page 4
Half way to his place, Trevor stopped and gently lay the woman on a grassy mound. He thouhgt he heard her moan. That was a good sign, It meant she wasn't as bad off as he thought, atleast she was gaining consciousness! Still, he was anxious to get her some medical help, to make sure. A dull buzzing sound caught his attention, and he turned to see dim lights coming from the direction he was going. Moments later, a jeep appeared thru the thick fog, and Trevor jumped up and ran in guys view. The jeep stopped only inches from Trevor's body. "Hey man, you almost got run down! what's the problem! The driver sounded agitated. Trevor explained about the woman lying still on the ground. The driver agreed to help. Trevor got in the jeep, and the driver carefully lifted the woman into Trevor's lap. He would hold her still, because the bumpy ride from the jeep could rattle her, make her condition worse. The ride to the hosptal was about 15 minutes. Trevor got a good look at the woman in his arms. She was very small, no more than 5 ft.3 or 4 inches tall, and barely over a hundred pounds. She had long auburn hair that fell in big loopy curls, now plastered against her face and neck, some of it was coated with blood. She had some small cuts on her face and lips. Even though, Trevor could tell she was a very attractive young woman. She moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck, and Trevor started! He turned his head away from her and stared out the at the ocean.
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 5
This was a strange feeling. It had been almost 2 years since he held a woman. At the emergency entrance, the driver honked his horn for assistance, and a nurse came out, saw the woman and heard Trevor's explanation. She rushed inside and was back in seconds with an intern pushing a strecher. Trevor thanked the driver and he left while Trevor followed the stretcher into the hospital. At the registration desk, they asked Trevor a bunch of questions he couldn't answer about the woman. The main concern was if she had insurance. Agitated at the receptionist, Trevor unzipped the back pocket of his sweatpants and gave the woman his credit card. He would think about his actions later, but atleast the woman would get the care she needed for tonight.
.CARLTON GLADEWHITE: Katherine Gladewhite stood at the top of the long spiral staircase, and glared down at her son. ("sniveling coward! just like his father! weak where women were concerned. he's in trouble and he doesn't know what to do next.it was this very reason his father died so young, only 59 years old. and just like his father, if I don't step in and takeover, that fool boy'll bring disaster into this family! I will never let that happen! as long as I live, this family will never know disgrace!") Slow and elegantly, Katherine descended the stairs. She clutched the hem of her long gown so tight, the knuckles of her long, slinder hands turned white. Tall and regal, Katherine stood at the bottom of the staircase and spoke to her son, she tried to pretend she didn't notice Carlton's behavior. "Carlton, what's going on down here? and where is Iris? I thought the two of you were going to the Sanderson's housewarming party, it started an hour ago." Carlton stood by the liquor cabinet, poring and gulping glass after glass of bourbon. His face glistened with sweat, and his hand shook each time he brought the crystal glass to his mouth. "Carlton, why are you drinking like that? and where is Iris? You to have a fight? good! I told you she was no good, trash! it's time you came to your senses where that gal is concerned!"
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards page 6
Carlton seemed not to even notice his mother at first, then he turned and grabbed Katherine by her boney shoulders. " Mother! thank God you're home! something terrible just happened! I don't know what I should do! we've got to call the police!" Then he turned away. He paced and jangled his keys in his pockets. Then he grabbed his mother's arm with a wild look in his eyes "mother, I think Iris is dead! I think I've killed Iris!!........Katherine slapped Carlton soundly across his sweaty face, getting his attention. "Carlton, calm down, and explain to me what happened tonight". Carlton explained that he and Iris ahd had a fight, and she ran out into the foggy night. He ran after her and caught up to her, he only wanted to take her back to the house so they could talk, but she ran and pulled away, then he heard her scream! Carlton said he saw Iris disappear over the embankment! He panicked and ran back to the house, hoping to get her some help. "God, mother! If she's not okay, if she's dead....what am I gonna do? this won't be good for my campaign, I'l lose by bid for Major! I could go to prison for this!" Then he looked pleadingly at his mother, "but it was an accident! I shouldn't have run, but I didn't know what to do! You've got to help me, mother!" ..."Go upstairs, Carlton, and stay there til I ask you to come down, I'm calling Sheriff Patterson. He'll know what to do, now go on up. I'll call you when he gets here. I need to speak with him alone, first." When Carlton went upstairs, Katherine poured herself a brandy. She would do what needed to be done, she would talk to Dan Patterson, her old friend, and he'd understand about this accident. And, afterward, she'd just call her "associates" from Chicago! These people would help her protect Carlton's campaign from scandal like this! She'd used them before, and they had accomplished their assigned task meticulously!
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 7
Iris tried not to blink, but the bright light from the penlight hurt her eye. It felt like a laser! "Well, Ms., I don't see any damage to your eyes, and the swelling has gone down alot since you came here. That's good news!, but we still want to do some more tests, and you're scheduled for an x-ray this morning. Have you been able to remember anything at all?", asked Dr. Janocowski. With panic filling her chest, Iris shook her head no. She hadn't uttered a word since she woke up. The nurses wondered if she could talk!, but Iris was scared! She didn't understand why she was so scared, and that made the fear so much worse! In the back of her throbbing head, she felt as if something bad was going to happen, but she didn't know what or where or why, or to whom! Everytime she went to sleep, she heard a man's voice, shouting, then screams, and then blackness would engulf everything! She'd wake up sweaty, and trembling in terror! Why??! What happened to me? who am I? Her agonizing thoughts only caused her more pain, and confusion. The orderly came for her, to take her to x-ray, but he went to bed # 1, Ms. Garland, and Iris was in bed #2. She got his attention, but he picked up both charts and read them for himself,, just to be sure! As he was preparing to take her down to x-ray, a very beautiful young nurse walked in, and from the way they greeted each other, they had a very close relationship, outside of work! Completely distracted by his love's arrival, neither he nor Iris, or the pretty nurse, noticed which chart was placed on which bed, as Iris was wheeled to her appointment in the basement.
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards page 8
In deep thought on her way back upstairs, Iris was startled by a bustling commotion near her room. The orderly stopped her gurney near the elevator, by the insistance of a uniformed officer, and stepped away to question the officer. Iris' heart was racing wildly! She felt panic rise in her chest, when a gurney was wheeled from her room, with a sheet covering the face of the woman on it! The dream! She kept seeing someone push her, then screams and total blackness! Now, her roommate was dead! Iris slid from the gurney, careful not to put too much pressure on her spranged left ankle. She limped closer to the orderly so she could hear what he and the officer were saying about the dead woman. Apparently, someone had come into the room and suffocated her with her pillow!! The hospital was in an uproar! Nothing like this had ever happened here before. Fear gripped her like a vice! She kept thinking: what if the orderly hadn't made that chart mistake??! Somehow, Iris was sure she was the intended victim!...... "Did you see anyone hanging around here this morning?, anyone who looked out of place, or nervous maybe?", the officer questioned Terry, the orderly, for about 10 minutes before Terry remembered that Iris may know something that could help the officer. He looked around in confusion. The gurney was still parked near the elevator where he left it, but the young woman he just brought up from x-ray, was no where to be seen!.......
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 9
The traffic of hospital staff leaving work, was sporatic. The garage was getting darker, and colder. Every now and, headlights from cars exiting the garage would stream brightly across her vision, causing her head to throb. Shivering and cold, wearing nothing but a cotton hospital gown, Iris sat huddled in a dark corner, not knowing what to do next. Where was she to go? Who could she call? Felling miserable and alone, the young woman feared she would fall victim to who ever was trying to kill her, since she was now out in the open, vunerable and visible. She sighed shakily, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. She had only one hope, only one chnace to get help. She had been clinging to a name she heard when she was admitted. Faintly, she remembered hearing a strong male voice, and a name: Trevor. Iris had clung to that name like it was her lifeline, her link to reality! She wasn't even sure if it was real, or if she dreamed it, but that name seemed to mean something to her, and somehow, she had to find him! With a little bit of control back, she struggled to her feet, and quietly left the garage, staying in the shadows to avoid detection. The police would be looking for her now, since they found her roommate dead. With the determination to live, Iris limped from the garage to find a phone. She desperately had to find this Trevor person! He seemed to be the link to all this chaos she now found herself in!
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 10
Trevor sat at his kitchen table, finishing his second cup of coffee, and telling his story to his good friend, Rusty. Green eyes flashing with a gleam fo intrigue, Rusty listened closely to Trevor's tell of finding the woman near Tidewater, The home of the elustreous Gladewhite clan. "Phew! Trev, man! This could be the break I've been looking for! Are you sure you couldn't see who else was up there? Did you hear the man's voice, how close were you to the embankment? Think hard, now!" Rolling his eyes and smiling, Trevor shook his head at Rusty. Always the reporter, Red headed Rusty Hammond, was anxious to find whatever he could, that would help him bring down the long standing, corrupt Carlton Gladewhite, but everytime he thought he had him by the neck, old Katherine would jiggle her purse, and the "clean-up crew", the family lawyers, would magically appear, and Carlton would slither from his grip! "I've told you all I know, Rus. I just hope the woman is alright. She was semi conscious when we got to the hospital. But, she didn't seem to be in too bad shape. Maybe I should go see if she's still there. Afterall, I'm paying her bill!" He said with a sheepish smile. But Rusty waved him off. "No, Trevor, you stay out of this. You've done all that you should have. I'll go see if she's there, and if she's up to a few questions!" He jumped up and rushed to the door, then turned back to Trevor with a curious look in his twinkling green eyes, "Uh, Trevor? did you happen to get the girl's name?" "No, but I kind of wish I had!", he grinned broadly. Rusty smiled and nodded. "Don't worry, ol' boy!, I'll be able to get that for you! I'll see call you tomorrow evening with an update!" Trevor shut the door, resolved that he would never see the pretty woman he held in his arms only three days earlier. He really needed to concentrate on finishing his book, but her face was a constant distarction. Trevor sighed and sat down at his computer. He smile to himself as he typed. Maybe he could somehow incorporate this experience into his book. It could only add a little more excitement!
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 11
Moving with caution and staying in the shadows, she found a phonebooth. She still had no idea how she was ging to find this man, this Trevor. She didn't have his last name. She sighed. If she had stayed at the hospital, she could have gotten it from her discharge papers. She picked up the phonebook and leafed through a few pages, then dropped the heavey book back on the counter. This was useless! She was never going to find him! Fighting back dispair, she looked out at the dark streets. The night was bringing in a cold, damp wind. The girl shivered and tucked the thin, cotton gown tightly around her slim body before she stepped out of the phonebooth, into the night. A night filled with fear and confusion! She had no money, no clothes, and no one to go to for help. She was afraid to trust anoyone, exept this Trevor person, and she didn't know how to contact him. The damp air whipped her long, auburn hair around her bruised face. The pain in her ankle starts to throb, so she walks to the edge of an old building, and sits on a crate to relieve the pressure. She tucks long strands of hair behind her ear, revealing one soft, damp cheek. Iris touched the moisture at the corner of her eye. Tears would do no good, only make her head hurt more. A faint rumbling made her suddenly realize that she hadn't eaten anything at all today. Food had been the least of her worries! She tried to keep calm, but turmoil rose and spread through her trembling body, spilling over as salty tears that slid down her bruised face. The screaming in her mind, made her head throb so bad. ("who am I? why can't I remember?! who wants to hurt me? what did I do that was so bad, to make someone do this to me?")
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 12
She wasn't sure how, but she knew injuries were caused by someone. When she closed her eyes, she could see a dark figure, hear a voice whispering harshly, just before she goes over that embankment. She was too afraid to say a word to the police at the hospital, to anyone. Iris had never uttered a word the whole 5 days she was there. She kept waiting for Trevor to come for her. Why didn't he come back? Alone and frightened, the young woman sat huddled against the wall, staring at nothing at all. She didn't even see the old, bent figure approach from her left side. A shadow crossing her vision caused her to look up suddenly. Iris jerked and gasped loudly! Terror froze her heart at the sight of that face standing before her! Her mind screamed for her to run! But her body wouldn't move! She was trapped, and at the mercy of her attacker!...........
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 13
"whoa now, lil' bird! whut be wrong wit cha? no need ta figit cause o' me. Ol' Balti ain't out to harm ya none, no ma'am!" Gasping from the racing fear in her chest, the girl watches wide-eyed, as the old, bent figure slowly sats on the ground a few feet from her. His face was weather-worn, and pockmarked. He once had red hair on his now bald head. His puffy eyes were red and blurry, and his raggedy clothes were slick with grime, in need of a serious washing! From the smell of him, he had been out here a long time, living in these streets. "you stay away from me, or I'll scream bloody murder, do you hear me?!" Iris tried to pretend she was more angry than scared. The old man just sat staring curiously at her, not moving an inch. "no need fur dat, missy. dem cops down hea knows I ain't gone do no harm to no one. I see'd ya, figured ya was hongry. I got dis bag meal just give to me, by some feller coming outta dat burger house over yonder. I dun had two of 'em already now. What say ya? want dis bag meal?" Iris, still trembling, tried to calm down a bit. He seemed harmless, but she wasn't letting her guard down!
When she said or did nothing, the old man smiled, revealing brown chips that used to be teeth, slid the bag towards her. Just then, her stomach rumbled, echoing it's emptiness. "he he he he,, yo tummy done answered fur ya! eat up, now! it a free meal, no strings attached to it. ma name's Balti,, dat short fur Balti-more. give to me when I live up thar. don't rightly know what ma real name is! I ain't used it in so long! he he he he!" Iris hesitantly reached out and pulled the bag to her. The aroma from inside, made her mouth water! The Big Mac and fries were still warm. The Coke still had ice in it. Iris tore into the burger, unashsamed of how she looked, gorging down the burger, stuffing her mouth with fries. She was so starving! This was the best burger and fries she'd ever tasted!
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 14
Ol' Balti sat and watched the small woman eat, wondering what her story was. She was wearing a hospital gown. Bruises on her face, an ace bandage wrapped around her left ankle, and he noticed a bandage on the right side of her head, behind her ear. She had been hurt, and now she was wondering around in the streets, at night. Things were not right here. The way Balti saw it, she would be at home in bed, resting,, if she could go home. He figured she'd be more receptive, and talkative, once she was full. One thing he did know, this was no place for a beautiful young woman, out here at night. "had ya self a lil' accident, huh? you waiting on someone to pick ya up? where's ya clothes at, lil' bird?" The girl cut her eyes at the old, ragged man, but said nothng. She chewed much slower, as if contemplating whether or not she should answer him. "thank you for the food. I really appreciate it. I must be going now. I've got get home. Thanks again." Balti watched her struggle to her feet, limping from the soreness in her ankle. She stood and looked up the street, but made no move to leave. Balti, old and feable as he was, had a sharp eye, and a keen sense. He noticed the girl's slim shoulders slump, then shake from her silent crying. He made no attemp to go to her, but sat and spoke to her from where he was, on the ground. "what be wrong, lil' bird? don't cha have no home to go to? where 'bout you live?"
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 15
Crying even harder, Iris spoke through her sobs. I- I don't remember where I live. I don't even remember my name! I had to leave the hospital, because I believe someone wants to kill me, and I don't know why! I heard a man named Trevor at the hospiatl, talking to the nurse. He hepled me, but I don't know how to find him, or what his last name is, or if he is a friend, a stranger or family." She sniffed and wiped her nose. She looked so miserable, leaning against the wall crying like that, Balti's heart went out to her, and he knew, he was going to do everthing he could to help this frightened little bird! "well well, now, no need ta fret so! Balti been out hea in these streets 'bout thirteen years, I know some people, believe me! I bet I can help ya find this Travis feller!" Iris smiled at the old , big hearted man. "the name was Trevor, Sir, nor Travis!", she whispered. "yea, whateva! you jist sat now, let me call my friend the reporter! he can find out anythang, about anybody!" Iris watched as Balti sprang from the ground with surprising agility, and head for the payphone. He went inside, picked up the receiver, and looking around cautiouly, he took a long, thin piece of metal from his coat. Iris smiled in amusement, as Balti jiggled the metal in the coin slot, then proceeded to dial a number!
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 16
After about ten minutes of loud, thigh slapping laughter over the phone, he came back to her. "wha'd I tell ya? my ol' friend'll be here in a hour! he can help ya find this man what helped ya". She hesitated.--- "I don't know. How do I know he can be trusted? what if he turns me over to the person trying to hurt me? I just don't know about this!" Balti looked hurt-----"you gotta trust somebody. did I do ya any harm?", Balti asked. She shook her head no. -- "well, you reckon I deal wit folks who would?", Again, Iris shook her head. Balti smiled assuringly at the weary girl. She was so tired! She really was losing the little fight she had left. What did she have to fight with, anyway? An hour later, just as Balti said, a dark colored sedan slowed down as it approached the corner where she and the old man stood, hiding in the shadows. Balti raised his shaky hand in caution. "you stay put, while I fills him in on tha sitciation". He walked out to the street as a tall, slim man got out, and the two shook hands. They stood behind the car and talked, and Iris swallowed the lump of aprehension welling up inside her. Had she made a mistake, trusting this strange old man? Maybe she should go to the police, afterall. Suddenly, she became alarmd when she saw the tall man grab Balti by the shoulders, then turn his head quickly in her direction. whatever the old man said, seemed to excite his friend very much! This was scary to Iris! What were they planning to do with her? The most disgusting, horrible visons crowded, unwanted, into her mind!
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 17
The two strange men started her way, and the girl stiffened. She positioned heself where she had her back to the street, just in case they tried to pull her into the car, she would have a chance to flee to a public area for help. The tall man approached quickly, smiling to reassure her that she was in no danger. "Hi there. please don't be afraid, I won't hurt you. My name is Rusty, and I have some very good news for you! I know the man who took you to the hospital!"--Iris enhaled quickly. Did he?!--did he say?!---"wha-what?" she whispered anxiously, eyeing the red headed stranger curiously. --"I said, I know the man you're looking for! He's a friend of mine. His name is Trevor McKeon! I was just at his house a week ago, and he told me basically what Balti just told me, about you!".....Iris hesitated:. What if he was lying? Rusty, with excitement dancing in his green eyes, could hardly contain himself! But, he spoke calmly to the already frightened girl-----"look, I know you don't trust anyone right now, but you need help, and Trevor is the only one who can shed some light on what happened to you the night you fell." Iris stared at Rusty, wide eyed .----"I -I fell? no one pushed me?" Rusty was taken aback by her question. He forgot she didn't remember anything!----"I'm sorry. Balti did tell me that you have no memory of what happened. I don't know. that's what I'm hoping to help you find out, alright? Now, let's get you to Trevor's place. You'll be safe there. He'll take good care of you, and we'll both help you find out the truth about that night!"
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 18
It was finally coming together. With that hungry gleam in his eyes again, Trevor's fingers flew across the computer keyboard, creating, developing and making into a reality, his book. The life of each character unfolded in detail, as if life itself was poured upon each page. And Trevor was there, with every character, walking with them, living out every intense and exciting experience that they experienced. He felt their anger, cried their tears, and felt every sensual touch and taste of their sexual encounters. Trevor smiled mischieviously to himself. Some of the things his characters were doing, he hadn't actually tried himself, yet!
Rubbing the knot of tension from the back of his neck, he stood and stretched his long arms above his head. He'd been at it for about twelve hours straight, and his muscles were complaining about the lack of attention they were getting. And so was his stomach! He went to his kitchen and pulled out a boneless chicken breast, and the fixings for a salad. After eating his salad, topped with the grilled chicken breast chunks, Trevor donned his running clothes and called Shep. He listened to a little Jazz by Warren Hill, while he warmed up for his evening jog. The weather was good, the sky was clear. No fog tonight, thankgoodness! Trevor grabbed his walkman and heade for the door, feeling great about the outcome of his new book. At this rate, he'd finish ahead of his deadline, afterall! He went to the door, opened it, and stood gaping, stunned! Standing in front of him, small and bruised, was the girl he left at the hospital!
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 19
Trevor, wide eyed, just stood looking at her. She was wearing a hospital gown, bandages on her small, oval face. Her long, auburn hair was tucked behind hers ears, but soft loose curls fell across her left eye. She licked her lips and swallowed, then lowered her eyes, as if she was unsure of what to say. Then, she looked up, and he saw tears shimmer in her eyes. Big gold-brown eyes. "Trevor?, I need your help!".. He enhaled, then spoke.---"what are you doing here? how did you get back here? are you alright?" Iris searched his face for signs of anger, or concern. She saw concern in his rugged, handsome face.---" you're the only person I know to ask. you were at the hospital with me. please! you must help me! please?" Jolted by her recognition of him, Trevor stepped back to let her inside. That's when he saw Rusty, and some old, raggedy man. Raising one brow, Trevor waited for Rusty to explain just what the heck was going on! He watched the girl slowly walk past him into his house. That's when he noticed that her ankle was bandaged, and she limped slightly. Trevor averted his attention back to his friend. "alright, Rusty. What the hell is going on? what is she doing here, instead of the hospital or home?" Before Rusty could answer, the girl spoke up. "Someone is trying to kill me!"
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 20
Trevor jerked around to face a now angry young woman. Her big honey colored eyes flashed hotly at him. "I'm here because I have nowhere else to go. You're the only person I can remember, and you're the only one who may be able to help me find out what happened the night I-- I was injured! You may not want me here, but I'm not leaving until I get some answers! I need to know what happened that night......I can't remember that night at all. I can't even remember who I am! you see, right now, I have no choices!" with her face twisted in pain, the girl dropped to the sofa. She was physically and emotionally exhausted. Impressed by her courage in her situation , Trevor walked over to the sofa and squatted in front of her. "Listen, I don't know what's going on , but you can't stay here. I'll help you get the hospital, or call your family to pick you up." She looked hard at him. " didn't you here what I said? I don't know who my family is, or where I live, anything! I need you to help me find these things out. so, until I know, I'm staying here. with you. You have no choice here, either!"......The room was very quiet after the girl spoke.
Tidewater! By Denise Edwards Page 21
Anger sparked between Trevor and the small, injured woman. She was spunky for someone in her predicament! He wondered in the split second before he spoke, what she must be like when she was heself, full of confidence in the power of a woman! "Look, I'm willing to do whatever I can to help you find out what happened to you, but you aren't in any position to make demands! This is my house and I'm the only one who makes decisions here, do you understand?" Trevor's voice was cool and decisive as he glared at Iris. His bristled stance didn't daunt the girl, who's stare fixed on Trevor. Noticing her bandaged ankle, Trevor pointed to the sofa. "Sit down while I talk to Rusty." he said. Slowly, she turned and walked to the sofa, but she never took her eyes off the man who may be her host for awhile. Trevor turned his attention to Rusty Hammond, who was grinning like an idiot. "Trevor, wait just a minute. This is possibly the biggest st--"I don't give a damn about your story, Rusty! She can't stay here! Take her to the police, take her to your house, but get her out of here! This isn't going to happen!" At the tone of his voice, Ol' Balti stepped up to face Trevor. The almost forgotten old man's teary eyes held a fire that startled the other men in the room.
"What be the problem wit ya, boy! Can't ya see dat she be needin' yo help for now? Wur she going, dat lil' lambchild? She ain't remember who she is yet! Ya be the only feller she know from that night! you is dat gurl's only connection to who she is! How can you say she can't be stayin'?" He looked down sadly at Iris, who shivered. She was in a strange situation, with strange people. Touched by her ordeal, Balti reached out and took a coat from a chair and layed it across her to keep her warm. Her grateful smile sent sunshine throughout the old man. She looked too comfortable to Trevor, wearing his coat as a blanket. Through the evening's odd events, he hadn't missed the girl's soft beauty, especially her eyes. There was more than one reason her being here was a bad idea. For herself and Trevor!
TideWater! By Denise Edwards page 22
Trevor turned his attention away from Balti and the girl, back to Rusty. "Unbelievable! You owe me, bigtime!" Then back to the girl: "Alright. You can stay for a couple of days, and that's it. Until Rusty finds another place for you. While you're here, you'll do as I say. You'll stay inside, away from the door and windows. Don't answer the phone. You'll only go out if Rusty or me are with you. Do you understand?" Trevor asked. With her chin tilted of defiance , Iris nodded slowly. "Good", Trevor said. "Give Russ your size in clothes. He'll have someone bring things for you in the morning, right, Russ?" Rusty answered yes. Rusty assured Iris once more that she'd be safe, then he and Balti left her, alone with Trevor. The night was silent, with two young people stuck in an unusual situation for them both. Trevor offered her his bed for the duration of her stay.
I like this one a lot. I am also prone to write long paragraphs and this seems to work well with you for some reason. Action is a hard genre to write for some reason, and I write one of the harder genres out there -- that being horror. I like how you use Chicago as part of the story as well.
It is five years since Delta Force stopped a deadly missile attack in the Middle East. Now team leader Jason Patrick is living a quieter life in North Carolina with his family, stationed at Fort Bragg.
But that is about to change when a new,
Lieutenant Fay Kincaid has plenty on her plate with being commander of the Rockland PD Support Division which included two of the most prestigious units there, SWAT and the Bomb Squad as well as CSU, SRO and Dispatch. Not only that, but she is the si
