Love Immortal (23 page)

“Tries something?” Collin asked. “What does
that mean?”

“Well, he actually has to try to attack her
before they can arrest him. They have his name and description of
his car. He doesn’t have a criminal record if that makes you feel
any better.”

“Yeah, much.” Collin said sarcastically.
“Does Jewell know all of this too?”

“I know she knows what he looks like, and
security told her what his car looks like, but I don’t know if she
knows his name or anything.”

Collin gave the man a pat on the shoulder and
nodded as he turned toward his car. He thought about the guard’s
words, while on hospital property. He wasn’t convinced that this
guy wasn’t a real threat, and he definitely wasn’t convinced that
Jewell knew about the danger she could be in. His uncle didn’t like
his relationship with Jewell, but maybe he would have some ideas
about what could be done to protect her.

* * *

When Collin got home, he found his uncle out
walking in the garden. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

“Sure kid. What’s on your mind?” He smiled up
at Collin as he pulled a weed out from between some oleander
plants.

“Well, I know you don’t approve of my
relationship with Jewell, but I need some help with a situation
she’s involved in and I don’t really know what to do.”

Collin’s uncle stood up and gestured to a
bench that was on the side of the path. “It’s not that I don’t
approve, it’s just that there are circumstances that would make
your relationship with her…complicated.”

“Well, it’s complicated now. Someone is
stalking her.”

His uncle was quiet for a minute,
contemplative. “What do you mean, stalking her?”

Collin explained the situation at the
hospital. “I’m not really concerned about her at work, I think that
security is taking care of her, but I’m worried about her when
she’s not at work. I don’t know anything about this guy, and she
doesn’t know very much. I’m scared something is going to happen to
her, but she doesn’t seem to take it seriously. The police can’t do
anything, I was wondering if you had any advice. Any ideas about
what I can do to protect her?”

“Where does this guy know her from?”

“He was a patient in the hospital, about the
same time I was there. For some reason he just keeps following
her.”

“Does anyone at the hospital know about your
relationship with Jewell?” His uncle asked harshly, almost
accusingly.

“Well, Ashley for sure. That’s her best
friend. The guy at the parking garage seemed to know. I would guess
if he knows than it’s not much of a secret. Why?”

“When did you start seeing her? When was the
first time that you two were together?”

“I don’t know Uncle Percy. I guess when I was
in the ICU. What difference does it make?

Percy got up from the bench, mumbling to
himself and walking toward the house leaving Collin sitting on the
bench speechless and confused.

Chapter 26

When Jewell came out of the hospital in the
morning, she was accompanied by Ashley and a security guard. Collin
approached them, pulling Jewell aside. “I’m going to follow you to
the house.”

“What? Why?”

“I’m not worried when you’re at work. They’re
doing a great job, but what about when you’re not at work? What are
you going to do if he shows up at your house or something? Have you
even told your dad?” The concern in his voice was apparent.

“Well, no. I guess since the hospital is the
only…” Jewell’s voice caught.

“The hospital is the only what?”

“Um, never mind.” Collin glared at her. She
couldn’t lie to him. “Well, I was going to say the hospital is the
only place I’ve seen him…”

“But it’s not.” It was an accusation. “I’m
following you home.” He didn’t even look back as he walked
purposefully toward his car; his stride angry.

“What did he say?” Ashley was curious as
Jewell rejoined her to walk to the car.

“He figured out that this guy hasn’t just
shown up at the hospital. He’s worried. I think he’s taking it upon
himself to be my personal bodyguard.”

Ashley sighed. “That’s so romantic.”

“Well, he’s going to follow us home.” Jewell
got into the car and unlocked it for Ashley. They drove home
without talking.

“So I guess you’re going to stay with Collin
for the next couple days?”

“Apparently, he’s not going to leave me
alone. Not that I really mind, of course.” She smiled. “I’ll call
you and let you know if officer heartthrob is going to let me ride
in to work with you on Saturday, or if he’s going to insist on
chauffeuring me around.”

“Okay, have fun.” Ashley winked and shut the
door. She watched as Jewell backed out and noticed Collin’s silver
corvette near the end of the road, waiting for Jewell. She drove
past, and he followed.

Jewell pulled into her driveway. Her father
was home, so Collin parked on the street. Jewell waited by her car
as Collin walked up the driveway. He put his arm around her
shoulders protectively as they walked toward the house. Inside, it
was apparent to her father that something was wrong. There was
tension in both of their faces.

“What’s wrong?” Jewell’s dad asked as soon as
they walked into the living room.

Collin walked to the chair, other than the
couch and the table the TV sat on it was the only furniture in the
room. He gestured for Jewell to sit down, and stood behind her, his
hand resting on the back of the chair. Jewell looked up at him to
see if he was going to explain to her father what was going on at
work. It was clear that he wanted her to tell him.

“Well,” Jewell started, “there’s this guy at
work who is kind of hanging around me.”

“Hanging around you how?” Her father asked
suspiciously.

Jewell shrugged. “He just showed up a couple
of times at work, that’s all. Security is taking care of it.
They’ve also told the New Orleans police.”

“And…” Collin prompted.

“What? What else is there?” Jewell asked.

Jewell’s father looked at Collin for an
explanation. “He hasn’t only shown up at the hospital. Apparently,
she saw him when she was in Lake Charles with Ashley.”

Jewell’s father got out of the chair and
walked over to the phone. He punched in a number. “Alex? Tommy. I
need some help. Would it be easier if I come down to the station or
do you want to stop by after you get off work?” He waited. “Okay
then. We’ll see you in a few minutes.” Tommy hung up the phone.
“Alex is going to come to the house and take an official
report.”

Jewell sighed. “Dad, is this really
necessary?”

“Yes,” answered Collin and her father at the
same time.

When Alex Stanley arrived at the house,
Jewell told the story again with Collin filling in details that he
felt were important. After asking questions and taking notes for
about forty-five minutes, Alex stepped out to his squad car. Jewell
watched him out the window, talking on his cell phone.

After several minutes, Alex came back inside.
“I called the information into the station. He doesn’t have any
charges that we can pick him up on, not even a parking ticket. I
have a couple of friends in New Orleans police department. We also
let Andy Baraven with the St. Tammany Sheriff’s department know
what’s going on. Now, you understand that we can’t do anything
unless he threatens Jewell, but we’ll definitely be watching
her.”

Jewell’s dad had stood up to stand by Alex.
He clapped Alex on the back, “Thanks. That makes me feel a lot
better.”

“Anytime Tommy,” Alex said, reaching for the
handle on the door. “I need to get back to the station so that I
can write this up before my shift ends. I’ll call you if anything
comes up.” Alex opened the door and stepped out.

“Thanks Alex.” He shut the door and sat back
down on the couch. Jewell was pale, visibly shaken by having to
recount everything that’s been going on.

Jewell’s father looked at her. “Jewell honey,
you don’t look good. I know you’re tired. Why don’t you go to
bed?”

“Yeah dad, you’re probably right. She turned
to Collin and gave him a hug. He hugged her protectively then
leaned down to kiss her cheek. “I promise I won’t let anything
happen to you,” he whispered.

She just smiled at him. She gave her dad a
hug and then disappeared into the hall heading towards her bedroom.
Jewell’s father turned toward Collin and looked at his watch.
“She’ll probably sleep until about six, especially since she got to
bed so late.”

“Yes sir. I’d like to stay here if that’s
okay with you. I told her I’d make sure nothing happened to her. I
don’t like to break my promises.”

Jewell’s father gestured to the chair. “Can I
get you a book or something, or maybe you can find something on TV
that you want to watch.”

Collin looked at the shelf under the
television. It was piled high with hot rod magazines. He walked
over and started shuffling through the pile. He pulled out a
magazine discussing the history of Mustangs and went back to the
chair.

“Good choice.” Jewell’s dad smiled at
him.

“I’ve always liked cars. I had a Mustang
GT500 that was totaled in the accident.”

“What a waste.” They sat and talked about
Mustangs, and then moved on to discussions of other cars. Even
though Collin preferred the sports cars, he loved the old muscle
cars as well so he was able to keep up his end of the conversation.
They talked for a while, and then sat silent, each involved in
their reading. Collin found several issues discussing the high end
sports cars that he fancied.

Whenever a car passed, Tommy and Collin would
both glance nervously out the window.

Chapter 27

When Alex had arrived back at the station, he
immediately called Sheriff Payne in New Orleans. Although Jewell
wasn’t an Infinitas, she was dating an Infinitas, and regardless,
the first duty of a Templar was protection. But this case had
brought attention to the Templars because Collin was involved.
Sheriff Payne had immediately called a meeting, and he had set
about calling all of the New Orleans Templars to let them know that
there would be a meeting at Dr. Babineaux’s house on the North Side
of the causeway in Mandeville. Dr. Babineaux lived in a large
plantation style home on several acres. The house was set back from
the road, and shrouded by massive oaks. This made it easier to
gather all nine people without drawing attention.

The Templars were gathered for their second
meeting in three weeks. Under normal circumstances, the group met
once every three months to manage the accounts, and usually share a
drink. Having two meetings so closely together, and outside the
usual schedule did not bode well. While all knew what their
commitment meant, most did not ever believe they would be called to
duty. It was a dangerous job. The last time an Infinitas was
identified; several Templar Knights were killed. Unfortunately, in
that case, the Infinitas were killed as well.

Alex pulled onto the long driveway leading
toward the house; he could see evidence of other cars recently
passing. As he pulled onto the concrete parking pad, he saw that
six others had already arrived in addition to Dr. Babineaux. They
were waiting on only one other. He recognized all of the cars.
Taking inventory, it appeared that Sheriff Payne was the only
participant who had not yet arrived.

Alex rang the bell and was greeted by Dr.
Babineaux. As he walked in the door, he saw Sheriff Payne’s car
pull into the driveway followed by an unfamiliar SUV. He stood
inside the door and watched as Sheriff Payne exited his car and
walked back to the SUV. An unfamiliar older man emerged and shook
Sheriff Payne’s hand. Together, they walked to the house.

Once everyone was inside, the nine Templar
Knights and the single stranger settled at the massive table in Dr.
Babineaux’s dining room. Sheriff Payne sat at the head of the
table, despite this being Dr. Babineaux’s home, the unknown man sat
to Sheriff Payne’s right and Dr. Babineaux sat to his left. The
other seven Templars arranged themselves around the table in no
particular order. Sheriff Payne stood up and gestured to the man
sitting to his right.

“Gentlemen, this is Percival Knighton. He is
the uncle of the identified Infinitas, and an Infinitas himself. He
has identified himself in secrecy to request our protection for him
and his family while they reside within our territory. There are
four others including the two previously identified.” The other
knights nodded in greeting at the newly introduced individual.
“There have been some recent developments that require our
attention. Most of us know Jewell McKean. She is currently in a
relationship with Collin, Percy’s nephew. She is neither aware of
the Infinitas, nor what they are. Collin, though an Infinitas
himself, is also unaware of his…uniqueness.” He gestured to Dr.
Babineaux “Will you call the meeting to order?”

After the meeting had been called to order,
Sheriff Payne sat down and gestured to Alex. “Alex, please tell us
what you know of the situation concerning Jewell.”

Alex stood and told everyone about his
conversation this afternoon with Tommy, Collin and Jewell,
referring to his notes to ensure that he didn’t leave anything out.
When he was finished, he sat down.

Sheriff Payne rose again and gestured to
Christian Johnson, who was an officer with the New Orleans police
department. Christian stood up and explained the details of the
situation as presented to him by Garrett Roes, head of security at
the hospital. He told of the two incidents at the hospital,
including the confrontation with Lea Coles. Finally, Sheriff Payne
gestured to Dr. Babineaux and requested that he give his
report.

“The individual’s name is Edgar Durand. He’s
28 years old. He has lived in the same apartment in Chinchuba for
approximately six years. He has no criminal record. He was born and
raised in New Orleans, but I searched the federal database. He has
no record there either. He works at a private sanitation company in
Madisonville as a bookkeeper. He’s worked there for six years and
hasn’t missed a single day of work…until recently. I couldn’t find
any record of his having been previously treated for any illness.”
Dr. Babineaux paused to add emphasis to the oddity of recent
events. “He was admitted to the hospital eight days following the
admission of Collin Sykes. He was the victim of a single car MVA.
The circumstances surrounding his accident are suspicious. A review
of security tapes indicate that he tried on two prior occasions to
get into the hospital, both after Collin was admitted. On one of
these occasions, he tried to get into the hospital claiming to be a
friend of Collin.