Ted Dekker - Kiss

A light touch on her brow stroked away the pounding in Shaunas head. She opened her eyes onto her hospital room, dimmed by evening hours.

Wayne was leaning over her. Shauna?

Exhaustion weighed her down.

They told me what happened. She focused on the face of the man who, so far, had been her only ally. If she committed his high temples, narrow cheeks, and square chin to mind, maybe she would remember him. Maybe she could find her way back to the truth.

There were all those maybes again.

You know, your Uncle Trent was supposed to be the one to explain all this to you.

All what?

Everything about Rudy. Everything that I dont know and the docs wont say.

Why hasnt he?

Wayne shrugged. My guess is he doesnt want you to have to deal with so many issues all at one time.

And so everyone thinks that its more beneficial to stew over the grim possibilities rather than face reality?

Wayne raised his eyebrows as if to say, Its twisted, I know.

Were a backward group, my family.

Each family is, in its own way.

Trent Wilde isnt even really my uncle, you know that? Hes Landons best friend.

Wayne nodded. But hes always proven himself worthy of the endearment.

Except for instances such as these, yes. I cant hold it against him. He means well.

Shauna shifted in the bed and heard a clank of metal on metal. Something pinched her ankle. What on earth? She lifted her blanket. A leather strap was cinched low on her right leg, and its metal clasp locked onto a bed rail.

A padlock? Was this legal?

She pointed to the strap. Does this fall into the category of so many issues?

We have some business to take care of before you go home.

What kind of business?

Dr. Siders told you about the Ecstasy?

Dr. Carver did.

There was also some in your car. And in your loft.

Her home? Patrices accusation that she had harmed Rudy intentionally landed on Shaunas mind like a jumping spider.

How much?

Not much, but enough.

Enough for what?

Theyre charging you with possession and reckless endangerment.

But theyre just now locking me up?

You got a little... hysterical earlier. They thought it was necessary.

Every revelation was a fresh betrayal, a concussive blow to what she might have believed about herself. How much more was she guilty of?

What else dont I know?

Um... theres a guard outside your door.

Shaunas mouth fell open. What do the charges mean?

There will be a trial. Youve already been indicted.

She shook her head. I dont want a trial. I dont even know what I did. I cant even deny anything.

Wayne reached for her hand. He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her to his shoulder. Her forehead pressed into his cheek, and she was comforted by the warmth of his skin. Resting like this, it wasnt at all hard for her to believe shed been close to him before.

The cologne he wore was faint and breezy. She couldnt name it.

Shauna closed her eyes. She would stay here as long as he would allow her to, leaning into his warmth...

Not warm, hot. His skin was hot, like he had a fever, but dry. Did he notice this heat? Before she could mention it, before she could straighten up, her face seemed to be consumed by a blaze, a flash of energy so hot that she thought her skin had burned.

She gasped and pulled back, touching her forehead. It was cooler than her fingertips.

What is it? Wayne asked.

Didnt you feel that?

Feel what? Waynes forehead creased.

The blush of embarrassment, not supernatural heat, flushed Shaunas cheeks. She hardly knew what had just happened, though it seemed clear enough that she had experienced it alone. And maybe entirely in her mind.

Its nothing. She shook her head. Im on edge, I guess.

Wayne stood, then moved to the window. What is this like for you, Shauna? What does it feel like when you try to remember? Ive been trying to put myself in your shoes.

The right analogy took several seconds to present itself. It feels like Im looking in the index of a textbook and cant find the topic I need, even though Im pretty sure Ive read it in that book before.

What can I do to help you?

Youve done so much already.

Well, Im not going anywhere anytime soon, so if you have any brilliant ideas...

You could take me to see Rudy. She said it before she fully contemplated what it would meanreturning to her fathers home. Her childhood home.

Patrices home.

Wayne closed his eyes and sighed. Shauna.

She said, less confidently, They have to at least let me out of this thing to use the bathroom, dont they?

Shauna, the police have instructed the staff to keep an eye on you.

They like you, Wayne. Theyll believe whatever you tell them.

If you go now, the authorities will know. Theyll take you right away. You might only get minutes with Rudy. In fact

Thats all I need. Just long enough for an answer. She looked at the wad of sheets in her hand. Just long enough to apologize.

Wayne seemed to soften.

Please, Wayne. Please do this for me. I will do whatever I need to do to make things right, okay? But first, I am going to see my brother. You can help me, or I will march out of here on my own and get a taxi. Whats it going to be?

Amusement overtook Waynes eyes and mouth. Id like to see you march, let alone figure out how to pay for the ride, he said.

Take me. Make my father deal with me to my face. You shouldnt have to be the one in this position.

He leaned against the windowsill and dropped his head. Please rethink this.

I have thought it through! Repeatedly. Please help me. She begged with her eyes too. Youre my only friend right now.

Wayne turned toward Shauna and crossed his arms. And how do you suggest I bust you out of here?

For the first time since she had awakened in this horrid white room, Shauna was overcome with relief. He would think of something. Wayne wrapped one hand around his chin the way she had seen him the day she awoke. He considered her plea until Shaunas relief turned to worry. Maybe he wouldnt help after all.

She looked away, then he said, I think I can find a way to get you five minutes with your brother. Ten tops. Can you live with that?

It was a rhetorical question, right?

West Lake bordered the Colorado River in the foothills overlooking the city, one of the many Austin suburbs that considered itself the gateway to hill country. Wayne drove Shauna there in his wine-red Chevy truck through a weak October drizzle. It was nearly seven oclock on Wednesday evening.

She fidgeted with her fingers in her lap. Is Landon back from California yet?

Yes. He came in this afternoon.

What would she say to her father? Maybe after she saw Rudy she would be better equipped.

And Patrice...

Patrice would be here. Shaunas stomach turned. She hadnt set foot on her fathers property since Christmas her senior year of college. Shed tried to keep up the holiday routine for Rudys sake, but even that had become an impossibility for her. When Rudy told her she didnt need to suffer through Christmas for himbecause it made everyone sufferShauna finally gave herself permission to avoid the estate completely.

Shauna closed her eyes. God, please help me. The spontaneous prayer came from a long abandoned place in her subconscious, and she felt irked that it had popped out unannounced. Youve been a lifesaver to me in so many different ways, Wayne. I never thanked you for pulling me out of the river. For saving my life.

You actually saved yourself. By the time I got to you, you were out of the car. Scraped your way out of a broken window, I guess. All I did was pull you out of the water. Not exactly Superman.

I cant begin to imagine how fortunate it was that you were there. There was a time when Shauna would have given God the credit for that kind of a miracle. But now, she wasnt so sure. Uncle Trent said you were following me home? What was that all about?