So Dead, My Love Read online

  Suddenly, her curtains were drawn open and two figures draped in crimson operating dress towered over her. Their masks and gloved hands were covered in blood! They both approached her slowly, making no sound. Samantha couldn’t move.

  One of the figures held up something wet, pulpy and vaguely familiar. Samantha realized it was a heart. A human heart. Still pumping. As it pumped, blood gushed out, spilling onto her chest. She stared at the red on red dripping down her body and felt no panic. She smiled numbly. The unholy red figures smiled with her as the blood spilled out ever so thickly from the red smeared heart. Suddenly, a shadowy figure worked its way in between the two surgeons.

  Samantha couldn’t make out her features. She could see that it was a woman with long hair, in a hospital gown. The red shadow woman crept closer to Samantha but she still couldn’t focus on the mysterious woman’s face. Suddenly, a flash of recognition hit her. The icy blue eyes and gray hair of the woman in the supermarket!

  The woman inched closer and closer until Samantha could feel her breath on her cheek. The woman reached out and ran a hand over Samantha’s head. Samantha felt pain again. Then in a swift move, the woman lifted Samantha’s pillow and stuck something underneath.

  Like she had come, the mysterious woman shuffled back without a sound, disappearing behind the two ominous figures. They held up the pumping heart again, except this time, when the one squeezed it, Samantha felt the stabbing pain in her own chest.

  Samantha Barnes woke up, her fists clenched, holding the bed sheet of her hospital bed tightly. She was soaked with sweat. What had happened? She couldn’t remember much. Everything seemed too foggy and so far away. But there was the dream! The dream in red.

  She ran her fingers through where her hair should have been. There was a bandage around her head. A stab of pain hit hard as she pressed her hand on it. She had fallen, of course. She remembered now. The fear she experienced as she was tumbling down her stairs was real panic. Samantha moved to adjust her pillow when the needle attached to her arm pulled her back. She noticed she was attached to a blood transfusion unit. “Oh great, this looks long term. How will I ever finish that painting on time?”

  But then something intruded into her thoughts. The voice. She had heard a voice in her house! That’s what awakened her. That’s what got her out of bed and into the dark hallway. A voice led her into the darkness. But had she been sleeping? Sleep walking? No, she remembered clearly waking to the rays of the moon hitting her bed and listening. It was a woman’s voice. A voice that called her by name!

  She’d been startled. She remembered that her heart felt like it was ready to take the next available flight out of her chest! But why hadn’t she turned the lights on? None of it was making sense. What if it had just been some crazy dream? She seemed to have the market on bizarre dreams.

  She was getting frustrated just thinking about everything that would be delayed if she stayed here longer than she needed to. Not only was the commissioned painting in jeopardy, but Barnum Books and Taylor Publishing House were getting pretty demanding in their deadlines.

  She took one quick look around the room she was shut in. Of course, every room in Bayton Medical Center was a private room. The door was closed and her clothes lay in a neat little bundle on one of the chairs across the bed. The ill-fitting gown she was wearing now was not part of her collection.

  A television hung up on the wall and the heart monitor beeped a steady, rhythmic pulse. She had no idea what time it was.

  Samantha sighed and wished she were still back in her bed and all of this just a bad nightmare. Nightmare. That word stuck in her brain like old bubble gum. She remembered the nightmare in red. The two figures with the still pumping heart and the shadowy, frail woman. The woman!

  Samantha didn’t know why, but she reached quickly under her pillow, part of her more rational mind hoping that nothing would be there, that it had all been some creepy, nightmarish near death experience. There was something there. She pulled it out carefully as if its mere exposure to the air might cause it to disintegrate.

  The piece of paper was textured, like part of those paper gowns the hospital gives you in the emergency rooms. There was writing on the paper, shaky but legible. You must come to see me. Tamara Weissman, Karnov Mansion on Karnov Estate. You are the chosen.

  There was a light tap on her door. Carmen poked her head in with a concerned smile.

  “I hope I didn’t wake you?”

  Startled, Samantha crumpled the piece of paper into a little ball and tucked it quickly back under her pillow. “Oh, Carmen, come on in. I was getting a little lonesome actually.”

  From behind her back, Carmen revealed a bouquet of the most colorful flowers Samantha had ever seen.

  “Carmen, you’re always too kind. They’re beautiful!”

  “Not as beautiful as you.”

  “Oh please, I’m a total wreck.” Samantha felt like a wreck and was pretty sure she looked like one too. All her bones ached. Carmen put the flowers on the window ledge and pulled up a chair. The look on her turned serious.

  “You gave me one hell of a scare, you know. When you didn’t answer your phone, I decided to go over and see if everything was okay. You were out cold.”

  “I’m sorry,” Samantha said, shaking her head and looking at Carmen with a sheepish grin. “I sleepwalk sometimes.”

  “Then you’d best think about making your bedroom downstairs.”

  They both laughed.

  “Oh, before I forget.” Carmen started rummaging in her large bag that she carried on missions of mercy. “I thought you might want something to read.” She pulled out The Myths and Facts of Bayton Isle.

  Samantha’s heart jumped with joy. It would have been boring here with nothing to read. Carmen also pulled out what looked like a pair of jeans and her favorite white linen shirt. Laying them gently on the bed.

  “I thought you might need a change of clothes too.”

  “Oh thank you so much, Carmen. How could you know?” She shot a knowing, sly smile at Carmen and grabbed the book. “You know I started reading this book last night.” She started flipping the pages quickly. She needed to get to Lara Karnov. As the page unfolded before her, it suddenly hit her. The note.

  “Carmen, remember when I asked you about that Karnov Mansion? Where exactly is it? I couldn’t find it on the map. I think I’ve decided to try and ride by it.”

  “It’s up Piper’s Road. It used to be called Karnov Road, but Bayton changed the name awhile back. Why? You never did tell me your fascination with it.”

  Okay, what was she to do now? Could she trust Carmen and be open about everything including the voice, the dream, the woman, her nightmare?

  “Well, this Lara Karnov is an impressive figure. I thought I might paint a current portrait of her.” She opted for the lie.

  Carmen didn’t even make an effort to get up to look at the woman’s picture in the book.

  “Oh no, Sam,” she shook her head, “You have enough projects in your basket already. Come on, Sam, that commissioned painting is hanging over your head. You can’t even go out without getting stressed about it and you told me the publishers are pressing you for deadline work.” Carmen cocked her head and smiled. “By the way, exactly how many studs and buxom lasses do you have to paint?”

  Samantha knew that Carmen always had her best interest at heart, but she just didn’t understand. Carmen didn’t know about Lara Karnov. How could anyone else understand? Tamara Weissman perhaps? The piece of paper was still burning her with curiosity.

  “Please, Carmen, I know. I just wanted to get into something to clear my mind. Something that’s not expected of me. Something for me.”

  “Okay, if you want to do something to get away from all the responsibilities, you can start by getting better so you can come to my party next weekend. Remember?” Samantha remembered and felt an unexplainable withdrawal. She suddenly didn’t feel much like going.

  “I guess I should be okay by then. But sp
eaking of getting better, when are they going to let me go home?”

  “Well, that was the good news I had for you.” Carmen smiled warmly as she looked at Samantha. “They ran all the tests last night. Seems you went out like a light. They want to keep you here another night and then you can go home tomorrow.” Carmen got up and sat on the bed next to Samantha.

  “Tell me the truth, Sam. How in the world did you take that fall? Do you really sleepwalk? I’ve never met anyone that did that.” Carmen’s eyes were so pleading, so honest. Samantha had to tell her the truth or at least everything she could remember.

  “Promise you’re not going to laugh at me?”

  Carmen took her hand and held it. “I promise honey, I’m not going to laugh.” She let go of Samantha’s hand. Samantha could see the amusement in Carmen’s eyes.

  “Well, I’m pretty sure I was awake when I heard this voice calling my name. I was so scared. It was almost like a whisper. I had to get up. That’s when I fell down the stairs. I was following the whispers.”

  Carmen reached out again for her hand. “Oh my poor sweet baby,” she teased.

  “Don’t blow it off like that. I’m serious. I’m not just some clumsy clod. I tell you, I heard whispers. Someone was there.” She stopped, looked away, then back at Carmen.

  “It was a woman, Carmen.” She put one frustrated hand in the air. “I don’t know. I thought I heard words. Real words. They just...I don’t know.” She let it drop. How could she persist in this? How could she tell Carmen that she thought she heard the words Love. Mine. Save Me. How could she? Carmen just looked at her dumbfounded.

  Samantha knew she had made her uncomfortable somehow. She managed a weak, crooked smile. She felt exhausted.

  “Carmen, I’m such a fool. I don’t expect you to stay here with me all day. Thanks again for the flowers. They’re so beautiful. And thank you especially for bringing the book too. I’m so glad you came. You truly have made me smile.” The piece of paper under the pillow was calling.

  “Sure baby. You know I’m here when you need me.” Carmen got up, patted Samantha’s covered leg, leaned over to kiss her softly on the head and reached for her bag on the chair. She started walking to the door but stopped and pointed a finger at Samantha.

  “Listen, you rest. Get a good night’s sleep and I can be here to pick you up tomorrow. Give me a call when they release you.”

  Carmen was barely out the door before Samantha had the piece of paper unfolded. She read it again. Karnov Estate. Karnov Mansion. She picked up the book. The portrait of Lara Karnov was a powerful draw to the page. How were the two connected? Who was Tamara Weissman?

  These were all things Samantha had to know. And she had made up her mind. She would paint a portrait of Lara Karnov. But how could she find out more about the Karnovs? Would Tamara Weissman be able to help her? If not, then perhaps Edmund Furrows.

  Samantha burrowed herself in the book and in the lore of the Karnovs on Bayton Isle. She read and reread most of the day and well into the night, until the drugs in the pills she was forced to take pulled her away. Away into a land where even dreams feared to tread.

  ***

  The next morning, Dr. Stephen Kendall lingered over the chart of his patient in room 232. Mild head trauma. Bruises on the legs, arms and buttocks. Tests had all been normal for such a fall. He’d kept Samantha Barnes in the hospital for two days. He had no choice but to dismiss her today. He had put off checking in on her all morning. It was eleven a.m., and she was last on his rounds. The longer he delayed meeting with her, the longer he would be able to keep her here. He had his ulterior motives.

  Maybe it was her frail, slender build, or the faint touch of sadness in her gray eyes, but he found himself powerfully attracted to her. He thought she looked like Rebecca DeMornay with black hair. He would have to invite her for coffee or dinner some evening. After all, she would no longer be his patient.

  They had removed the bandages from her head earlier and the bruises did not appear to be so serious and healing well. He remembered that she had looked pretty banged up when she’d arrived two nights ago. she had looked when they wheeled her in the night before.

  Samantha had just finished packing her personal items when he walked in. She had been ready to go hours ago and was wondering why Dr. Kendall was spending so much time with her chart. Carmen should have been here already. She laughed nervously at him.

  “Dr. Kendall, I hope you’re not going to tell me I have to stay another night?” She motioned to the chart in his hand.

  “No, you’re free to go. I understand you have someone coming for you?”

  “Yes, I do actually. She should be here any minute.”

  “Good. Listen, you took a nasty fall and you’ll need to apply the lotion to the wound on your head. You’re going to hurt for a couple of days, but you’re a young woman, you shouldn’t feel it too bad.” He put one hand inside his white coat and smiled awkwardly. “I’m really not in the habit of doing this, Samantha, but I was wondering if you’d let me invite you to coffee in a couple of days?” he laughed, “You know, kind of an outpatient follow up?”

  Oh no, not this, was all Samantha could think and was mercifully saved by Carmen’s light knock and welcomed face at the door.

  “Hey, Carmen, come in.” She was thankful for Carmen’s arrival. “This is Doctor Kendall. He says I can go and I am so ready.” She ignored the doctor’s question.

  “Good to meet you, Doctor Kendall.” Carmen shook his hand.

  “Make sure Samantha comes in for her follow-up appointment. She can call me anytime.” His smile was directed at Samantha.

  Samantha finished packing her belongings and reached for the vase of flowers that Carmen had brought her.

  Doctor Kendall inched away towards the door. “Well, remember what I said, Samantha. Take it easy for a bit and don’t go prowling the house without turning some lights on again, ok?”

  He stayed just a tad longer than he should have, and Samantha noticed how Carmen eyed him. Kendall left the room and Samantha stood, flowers and bags in hand, giving Carmen one of her “come on let’s blow this joint” smiles.

  The ride to her place had been quiet and Samantha was having trouble reading the look on Carmen’s face. What could be bothering her friend? Her relationship with Carmen wasn’t easy anymore. Carmen’s feelings for her were very real and she hoped she hadn’t hurt her feelings the other night on the beach.

  As they pulled up to her house, Samantha reached over, hugged Carmen, and gathered up her bag and flowers.

  “Carmen, thanks again. You know I would love to invite you in, but I really have to get back to work on my paintings.” There was a smile in her voice and she hoped Carmen understood.

  “Sure. No problem, baby. I’ll give you a call later tonight and see how you’re doing.” She shot a quick look at Samantha and smiled, but it was a smile that lacked the usual warmth.

  As Samantha stood outside and watched Carmen pull away, she silently hoped that everything was okay with her friend.

  Chapter 5

  Their lovemaking had been intense, hot and definitely a passionate surprise. Gillian never expected Carmen at her doorstep so early in the morning. Gillian Haskell was a breathtakingly beautiful blue-eyed blonde. As Carmen fingered the wedding band on the slim hand of the woman lying beside her, she couldn’t help but allow that small, but biting bit of jealousy to grab at her thoughts.

  “Does John ever surprise you like this?” She knew she was taking the chance of upsetting everything they had just done, ruining all the magic they had just created. They had been through this before, when she and Gillian first found they were dangerously attracted to one another. Carmen was lonely for the love Samantha would not give, and Gillian desperate for the kind of love her husband couldn’t give.

  “Carmen, not now, honey.” Gillian put a long, slender finger to Carmen’s lips. Her hands always smelled so good. Carmen inhaled. It was just one of the things that had driven her to Gil
lian’s arms. Gillian seemed to float in a world of wonderful and fresh scents. From the top of her head to her painted toes, Gillian was true femininity. Just reaching forty-two, Gillian looked and felt much younger.

  Gillian turned abruptly and worked her way atop Carmen, their breasts pressed against each other. Playfully, she began to lick Carmen’s chin, then her eyelids.

  “Don’t say a word,” She whispered. Her mouth met Carmen’s passionately, her tongue hungry for more. “I have to be at work in one hour.” Her breathing was harder. “Let’s not waste this moment.”

  Leaving Carmen gasping for air, Gillian began to work her tongue down Carmen’s nude body. Lifting herself just lightly, she brought her mouth full on Carmen’s breast, filling her mouth with it. Carmen closed her eyes, the pleasure spilling forth between her legs.

  Gillian cupped both of Carmen’s breasts ever so gently and began to lick at each one, bringing her lips, hot with her own saliva, to nibble and softly bite each erect nipple. Carmen felt like she was on fire and each passionate moment sent her body arching and aching for the feel of Gillian’s hands, her tongue, inside her.

  Gillian’s knee pressed against her place of desire and Carmen could no longer control her want. “Oh my God, Gillian, I need you now.” It was a hoarse whisper. She felt Gillian slide down between her open legs and the touch of Gillian’s fingers, prying, dipping into her wet place was only the tip of the ache mingled with desire as Gillian’s tongue finally found her. Carmen arched up, hard against Gillian’s face, then back down, only to reach up again, hot for Gillian’s love. Gillian had learned well the pleasure points that made Carmen scream and when she finally did, the intensity of the release was overwhelming.

  Gillian curled up beside her, brushing some of the stray hairs from Carmen’s eyes. “Carmen, everything ok?”

  Although the “love” word had been said in the heat of passion, Carmen didn’t fool herself into thinking her affair with Gillian was anything more than an indulgence in the physical attraction they felt for each other. Gillian belonged to John. Despite her cheating ways, she would never give up the security he provided. And Carmen’s heart belonged completely to Samantha.