The Beginning Comes Quietly

Chapter Eight

Chapter Eight

Peyton finished the last sentence and typed ‘The End’. After New Year’s, Cole had returned to California. That was a month and a half ago. He’d called several times, using the speaker. Cole kept their conversations professional surrounded by Kevin, paralegals, and staff. He and his partners had strategically used this case in a marketing campaign to further themselves in the public eye. ‘We do the right thing’ was their tag line. Hendricks’ bail had been revoked, and he’d been in jail for several weeks.

She was delighted for Cole and satisfied he filled his life with what he loved, work. Funny, she was happy too. Peaceful would be a better term, no heartache, tears and certainly no regrets. She was getting stronger every day, even gained some weight.

Every day until Cole left, they had visited their special spot by the lake, and she continued to seek the solace her favorite place provided. She loved Cole with all of her heart, and acknowledged she would take whatever he was willing to give her.

Her visions had stopped before Cole left. Confident she could drive without having any spells, she had her bags packed and would leave at daybreak. Earlier this evening, after dinner, she had said her goodbyes to Richard and Jillian. She promised them both she’d keep in touch.

The early morning sun shone and Peyton slipped on her sunglasses enjoying the beauty of Montana’s countryside. The monochrome palate of the landscape captured her eye. She inhaled the fresh air and exhaled. This was what life was all about. She climbed into her car, started the engine and headed for home. For the first time in over a year, she traveled the interstate. The highways were cleared and she looked forward to sleeping in her own bed tonight.

By late afternoon, a swirl of nausea hit her stomach. She should’ve stopped for something to eat, but opted to put more hours on the road. Afraid she was going to hurl, she wrapped an arm around her belly and waited for the next exit. Finally, a ramp appeared. She took it, pulled over to the shoulder, and shut the ignition off. What should have been tingles were now stings. Each prick felt like venom had been deposited below her skin. Her flesh hurt.

“Oh, God.” The throbs of pain radiated to every part of her body and sweat trickled down her temples, back, and in between her breasts, pooling inside her bra.

“No, you can’t do this anymore,” she screamed as the maelstrom sucked her in.

“Welcome. Glad you joined me.” Hendricks’ evil eyes squinted.

“How did you get out?” Peyton swiped her hair to the side.

“I have more power than you ever thought about. Now is the time, dear one. I’m done playing games.”

****

Cole burst through the double doors, panning the ICU waiting room. When he saw Jillian and Richard, he released a sigh of relief they were here for Peyton and to receive any updates from the doctors. Jill sprang from the chair, running to him. He opened his arms adjusting his feet for a better stance and caught her inertia.

Tears ran unchecked down her cheeks and she hiccupped between each word. “They’re going through a battery of tests.”

His chin rested on top of her head. “And.” Chills inundated his soul as he waited for the answer.

“That’s all I know.”

Richard’s nod said hello while he gently grasped his wife’s shoulders and lingered until Jilly released him.

With Richard’s help, he guided Jillian to her seat. The digital wall clock illuminated the minutes turning into hours.

The hydraulic door opened, a gentleman in blue scrubs emerged. “I’m told friends of Peyton Adams are waiting?”

All three of them were ushered into a family counseling room. The doctor’s brow lowered, dark circles under his eyes gave away the number of hours he’d been working. “Ms. Adams has been in a state of unconsciousness since she arrived. She has no apparent injuries, but her organs are shutting down. I can’t find a reason for this anomaly. There’s another problem. According to the physician’s directive found in her purse dated several months ago, I’m only allowed to give her comfort.”

“I’ll have an injunction by tomorrow morning.” Cole turned and grasped the door handle.

“Do you really want to go against Peyton’s wishes? Besides that issue, her body is literally quitting. I ran a multitude of tests and there are no medical explanations. Therefore, I’m making her comfortable as I can.”

Cole released the knob and faced the doctor. “Can I see her?”

“Normally, only relatives are allowed, but from what I understand she doesn’t have any.”

“Yes, she does. We’re her family.” Jillian’s voice emitted strength contrary to how she was several hours ago.

Inside Peyton’s room an EKG beeped her slow heartbeats. Cole waited in the corner as he watched Jill and Richard give encouragement. Furiously, he blinked to rid the moisture in his eyes. When they left to give him privacy, he made his way to the side of the bed.

Cole slid his hand in Peyton’s. Cold fingers met his and the bluish color of her fingernails indicated the lack of blood flow. Even her skin had a grayish tint.

He kicked off his shoes and crawled in beside her, gathering her into his arms. “Peyton, don’t give up.” He kissed her temple then journeyed down to her jawline and across where he lightly pressed on her unresponsive mouth.

Not one to admit defeat, he nestled her into his folds and rested her head in the crook of his neck. Silent sobs racked his chest while his tears gathered finally dripping down his cheeks.

Nurses came and went with each shift change. On the third day, Peyton licked her lips. He grabbed a wet cloth and squeezed, water drops dribbled into her mouth. “Come back to me my bright-shining star.”

“Cole?” He barely heard her words.

“I’m here.”

“Take me to our cabin.”

“Allow the doctor to give you liquids. Your visions stopped while Hendricks was in jail, but he was released due to a paperwork error. That’s why all this is happening. I swear we’ll find him again, figure out how he has control over you and why in the hell he’s doing this to you. Give yourself…and me a chance…please.”

“Different.” He leaned closer. “I’m not going to make this.”

“I want you to fight. Hendricks’ is pissing with you, but you’ll have to be strong until we can catch him.”

“I’m scared.”

“Me too.” He mouthed silently.

“I’m going to ring the nurse and you have to ask for help.”

“Just enough to get me to the cabin.”

At this moment, he’d take whatever he could get from Peyton.