Connections of the Mind (5 page)

Waiters and patrons all eyed her. Rebecca almost laughed at their curiosity. They waved and said hello to Jeremy. Everyone seemed to like and respect him. He introduced her to their waitress.

“Vanessa Johnson is David and Sarah Morris’s great-great-granddaughter.”

The pretty teenager blushed as Jeremy made the introductions.

“Vanessa goes to the local college, but she should be going to an art institute.” He tweaked Sarah’s freckled nose.

Vanessa lowered her eyes and ran her fingers through her curly red hair, looking self-conscious at the compliment. She took their order and hurried away.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass her,” Jeremy said, “but she does have a talent, and it’s going to be wasted if she doesn’t use it. Problem is her parents don’t see it and don’t encourage her.”

They ate in a comfortable silence, interrupted by a few curious onlookers bold enough to speak to Jeremy, which, of course, called for an introduction. Rebecca felt like she was on display.

“It’s not like they don’t see strangers,” Jeremy said after one such intrusion. “I think everyone is just curious about the pretty blonde who has captivated one of Morrisville’s finest.”

Heat crept into her cheeks. Captivated? It was more than that, but he didn’t know it yet. Rebecca already knew; not only was Jeremy her mind connection, they were meant for each other.

Lunch over, they continued with their tour, stopping at a log house. Rebecca recognized it from the Internet site. “They say it was David Morris’s first home.” Jeremy seemed to delight in sharing the town’s history.

Rebecca recognized many buildings from her dreams. They walked through the town while he pointed out special places of interest. Everything looked so familiar; it was as if she lived here.

“There’s the Music House, built in 1877.” He pointed.

The magnificent building appeared in many of her dreams. She looked at it for a long time before moving on. She wondered what it would have been like to live back then.

“Can you imagine what it must have been like in the 1800s? I mean think about it; look at all we take for granted,” Jeremy said.

Rebecca swore he read her mind. “It’s hard to imagine not having electricity, water, gas, or even mail.” She stopped and looked up at the Music House again. “Let alone the Internet or email. Now we have text messages and eBook readers. Not to mention what would we do without cellphones?” She enjoyed the history and the way Jeremy related it to her with pride. He obviously loved the town and all it held for him, and yet, the nagging danger wouldn’t leave her. Her hair stood on end as they crossed an alleyway.

Jeremy paused and looked down the alley before they crossed over.

Rebecca trembled. This was where it happened. They walked in front of the jewelry store. Dread and fear overpowered her, and she hurried to get past the spot.

Jeremy’s pace stepped up also. Maybe he realized the reaction she experienced.

“That was the place, wasn’t it?” she asked for confirmation, though she didn’t need to.

He nodded. “Come on, I want to show you something.” He hurried her across the street, led her a few blocks away, stopped, and pointed at a building.

“The Junior High School had been built in 1900. Plans for a new one are underway. It’s almost a shame, but they plan to turn the building into offices, so at least they won’t tear it down.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I hate when they destroy old buildings. All that history and fine architecture gone to waste. They tore down several in downtown Cleveland.”

“I know what you mean. Not that I have a problem with new buildings. They have their place, but I like the old ones. Come on, I’ll show you the new high school.” As they walked, Jeremy told her how Morrisville played a part during the Civil War.

“Morrisville was a small town at the time, not that it’s big now, but a lot smaller than it is. Anyway, Union Forces were in quick pursuit of the Confederate Army who stopped here and set fire to an ammunition plant on the outskirts of town. When the Union Forces arrived a couple hours behind, townspeople slowed them down with a festival and a feast. Got half of them drunk if the story is to be believed. It slowed them down, giving the Confederates time to rest and get away. Not sure why they sympathized with the confederacy this far north, but they did.” He related these historical events with the knowledge of one who had studied and learned the town’s history.

It fascinated her, but she couldn’t hold back a yawn.

“You’re tired, and I’m boring you. Sorry, but I take every advantage to discuss this old town.”

“I’m tired is all,” she said and laughed. “The history is fascinating. I love old towns, and this one has so many historical buildings. It must be the cool autumn air wearing me down.”

“Hey,” someone called from across the street. They turned toward the voice, and she recognized the boy from the Boot Factory.

“Rebecca, meet Tom Olsen.”

“We’ve sort of met.” She extended her hand. “He’s the first person I asked for directions on the way into town.”

“I see you’ve accomplished your goal.” Tom grinned, and his gaze went to her hand that Jeremy held.

She didn’t like the insinuation, but ignored it, turning instead to Jeremy. “It’s getting late, I should be getting back, and you need your rest.”

“I just wondered if you had any leads. On who shot you, I mean.” Tom directed the question to Jeremy, turning the tables and ignoring her.

“No,” Jeremy answered. “No leads; you hear anything you let me know.” Jeremy looked at Rebecca. “Tom is studying law enforcement at Morrisville College.”

“Really?” Rebecca couldn’t contain her surprise. In a million years, she wouldn’t have guessed that. He struck her more like a fashion photographer. Or someone who worked with beautiful women would have been her guess. She thought she made good character judgments, and something about Tom didn’t sit well with her. Too arrogant, and he had an attitude. But Jeremy seemed to respect him. Guess you couldn’t judge a book by its cover.

She edged closer to Jeremy as Tom’s gaze shifted to her own and scrutinized her.

As if Jeremy sensed her discomfort, his arm went around her waist, and she snuggled into him. Finally, they said their goodbyes and moved off.

“He’s not a bad sort,” Jeremy spoke as they walked. “He does have a way about him though. He thinks all women are supposed to fall at his feet. Must come from being the football hero and having any girl he wanted. I noticed you were uncomfortable with him.” He smiled when she gave him a confused look.

“You made it pretty obvious.” He tightened his hold around her waist and laughed.

Heat rose to her face; damn she hated blushing so easily. She hadn’t meant to be so obvious. Yet she liked it here, nestled against Jeremy’s arm. It had been a long time since she’d trusted a man. She’d hardly even dated since Rob broke up with her two years ago. Sure an occasional dinner date here and there, but she never let it go beyond a couple of dates. Yet for some reason, she trusted Jeremy completely.

Something drew her to him. She knew he sensed her feelings and presence; he just wouldn’t admit it yet. She understood his reluctance. It had overwhelmed her at first, too. She had never heard anything like this before and, like Lester, had even doubted Dr. Clark. She found it difficult to fathom anyone could feel this kind of connection to someone, let alone experience his life.

Jeremy smiled and nodded at Kelly Anderson, from the newspaper office, as they walked to the motel.

The boy from the pizza shop almost ran into them carrying a pizza. “Hey,” he mumbled as he rushed past them.

Jeremy nodded at him. “That’s Lee Derrick. I swear that kid is always in a hurry.”

Rebecca stepped aside to let him pass. “Yeah, he almost knocked me down at the pizza shop yesterday.”

“Hey, Alex,” Jeremy said.

They stopped for a moment to speak with the waiter from the Pizza Shop. Jeremy introduced them. “Alex Collins, Rebecca Brennan.” Alex shook her hand.

“I met Miss Brennan last night. Nice to see you again.” His smile reached the deep blue of his eyes.

His formality surprised Rebecca. No one had ever called her Miss Brennan before. She stifled a yawn, while Jeremy chatted with Alex.

Finally, Jeremy turned toward her. “Guess we better get you settled. Later, Alex.”

They waved at Ethan on the way to her room. She smiled, liking the friendliness and hospitality of the people in town. Everyone seemed to know each other.

“I’ll pick you up and take you to your car first thing in the morning, if that’s okay with you.”

Rebecca had forgotten all about her car. “Thanks, I appreciate it.” Reluctant to leave him, she stood outside the room, wondering if she should invite him in. He turned the key in the lock. Suddenly, the hair on her neck prickled, and a shiver ran through her body. Her knees turned to jelly.

Chapter Seven

Rebecca grabbed Jeremy’s arm, pulled back, and knew he sensed it, too.

He nudged her aside, pushed the door open, and waited for a second, though it felt like hours. Crouching low, he looked inside.

She peered into the darkened room, gasped at the disarray. Her clothes strewn everywhere, and her suitcase lay opened on the bed.

Jeremy grabbed her hand and raced to the office. Rebecca ran to keep up with his long strides.

Ignoring Ethan, Jeremy punched in a number on his cellphone. “Sally, this is Jeremy. I’m at Ethan’s place. Get the chief out here now, along with the fingerprinting crew and photographer.”

Ethan stared open mouthed.

Jeremy turned to Ethan, flipped the phone closed, and began questioning him. “Who was in Miss Brennan’s room?”

Ethan’s mouth dropped open wider. “What? When?” he barely sputtered.

Jeremy paced the office, walked to the door, and spun around to Ethan. “You didn’t see anyone go into Miss Brennan’s room?”

Ethan shook his head.
Poor man
, Rebecca thought. His face drained of color. She thought for a minute he was going to pass out the way Jeremy interrogated him.

Within minutes, sirens sounded, and the hotel crawled with police carrying equipment, heading toward her room. Jeremy slammed the door behind him as he ran out to meet the chief.

Rebecca stayed in the office with Ethan while the police went through her room. Not that he said anything. The poor man looked to be in total shock. Although he did mumble to himself while he stared out the window. Rebecca could hardly make out what he said. Something about strangers coming to town and disrupting a peaceful existence.

Jeremy came back an hour later, her suitcase in hand. “You’re coming to my place.” It was a statement, not a question. Rebecca knew arguing wasn’t an option.

Mrs. Marlin met them at the door, a worried look on her face. Obviously, she had heard the news. “Are you all right, dear?” She sounded sincere, but the look in her eyes showed distrust. Not that Rebecca could blame her. Heck, she’d react the same way if a woman showed up at her door with a bizarre story; she’d probably throw her out. At least they all listened to her. Still, Rebecca didn’t feel comfortable here. Mrs. Marlin threw her a look that almost screamed to leave her son alone.

“I have tea ready. Jeremy, put Rebecca’s bag in the front bedroom upstairs.” She took Rebecca’s arm and led her into the living room. A silver tea service sat on the table. Mrs. Marlin motioned Rebecca to sit, poured three cups of tea, and handed her one.

“I can’t imagine what’s happening in this town. First Jeremy, now...” She sat with her hands in her lap, pulling and twisting her napkin.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Marlin, I...” Rebecca didn’t know why she apologized, but it seemed the thing to do. “I hope I’m not imposing, I mean...”

“Please, it’s Julia; don’t be so formal.” Her sudden sincere smile warmed Rebecca. “No need to apologize. It’s not your fault.” She waved her delicate hand. “Of course you’re not imposing.”

Rebecca relaxed once Jeremy came downstairs and joined them. He bent down, kissed his mother, and sat next to Rebecca.

“I asked Dan to call if he finds out anything. I can’t imagine why anyone wanted to break into your room.”

Rebecca yawned and stood up. “I’m sorry. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve had an exhausting day, and the warm tea helped. I’d like to go to bed now.” She wanted to be alone to think and mull over the situation. Too much had happened today.

Jeremy stood up. “I’ll show you to your room.” He took her hand and led her upstairs. She said goodnight to Julia and caught a meaningful smile before the woman nodded and said goodnight.

Jeremy opened the door to her room and pulled her to him, looked into her eyes, and lowered his lips to hers.

Rebecca’s arms came up around him. The taste and feel of his lips, crushing hers sent chills up her spine. The ringing phone brought them back to reality.

He pulled away, pushed a strand of hair behind her ear, and rubbed her cheek with his thumb, sending flames of desire through her.

“I’ll see you in the morning.” He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers in a whisper of a kiss before leaving.