Emma Dangerous is Over

 

Emma Dangerous is over, so what's next? As of the writing of this post, January 6, 2021, I have no idea. I have many stories I'd like to share with you, but I want to make sure it's the best I can offer.

I hope that at least one person is reading and enjoying these stories as much as I do. Sometimes, I feel as if I'm an audience of one – me. If you like my stories, please feel free to leave a comment and share. I'd also love it if you'd buy my books (obviously).

In the meantime, please come back and visit again. I promise to have something new for you twice a week.

As always, this is Dellani Oakes. Goodbye, and have a blessed tomorrow.

Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 64

 

Sam asks if he can see Dr. Abernathy, only to find she's not there. Raleigh tells him that Dr. McNulty is there, and he can speak to him.

"He's in, but busy with discharges," Molly replied. "Cybil certainly picked a bad day to get sick."

"Not like you can predict that, honey," Raleigh replied.

"She sounded fit and fine to me," Molly replied with a sniff. "Food poisoning my Aunt Fannie!" She got up and bustled into the kitchen.

Sam and Emma exchanged a quick glance. Sam changed the subject.

"No, it's cool. Thanks."

"No problem. If you change your mind, just say the word."

"Will do."

No one felt like being alone. Once Glenn and Carlos returned from talking to Detective Tan, they settled in the common room. Sam made a point of telling the detective, on the sly, that Dr. Abernathy wasn't in. He nodded, not saying much. Instead, he said goodbye, but made sure that there were officers guarding the entrance to their wing of the building. The pool and weight room were locked up. No one went anywhere near the lock down wing.

They were just sitting down to dinner when Dr. McNulty walked in. Molly invited him to join them. He nodded his thanks, sitting not far from Sam and Emma. He said very little during the meal, but thanked them graciously as he took his dishes to the kitchen.

"I wonder if I might speak with Sam and Emma," he said quietly when the clean up was done.

"If I'm with you," Raleigh said.

"Sure. Of course. If the children don't mind?"

"We don't mind," Sam replied. "We don't mind if you talk to us out here." He gestured to the common room.

"I'd rather not." McNulty cleared his throat. "Please."

"Of course," Emma replied. She led the way to the library.

Raleigh went with them, closing the door behind them. Dr. McNulty had his hands shoved in the pockets of his lab coat. He walked to the center of the room, head lowered, shoulders slumped.

"You okay, Doc?" Raleigh asked, taking a step toward him.

"I really wish you hadn't come with us," Dr. McNulty said quietly. "It makes this so much more difficult."

Sam stiffened. Emma, who was about to sit, stopped. Raleigh didn't pick up on the clues quite as fast and moved a little closer. McNulty spun around, grabbing him. A syringe hovered near Raleigh's throat.

"You're going to tell me everything," he said through gritted teeth. "Or he's a dead man."

"Anton, what the f**k?" Raleigh struggled.

The needle pressed against his throat, not quite pricking the skin. "You really don't want to struggle," he replied. "The medication in this syringe is rather awful, I'm afraid. It won't be pretty. But the effects closely mimic a heroin overdose."

Raleigh stopped moving, his eyes latched desperately on Sam. Emma hadn't moved. She was still partially crouched by her chair. Sam examined the situation. There were few options open to him. If Raleigh got even a partial dose of the medication, it could kill him. He wouldn't take that chance. However, they would all die if he didn't do something rather quickly.

"What do you want to know?" Sam asked.

"Where is it?"

Sam pursed his lips, raising his eyebrows. "Not sure I should tell you. Not exactly something we want to share."

Emma cut her eyes at him. She knew he was up to something, but wasn't sure what. Sam had no information, but he seemed to be improvising.

"Your search of Dr. Stewart's office didn't get you anywhere, did it?" Sam looked smug. "Too bad. Beat ya to it." He flashed a cocky grin.

"Give it to me!" McNulty held out his hand, letting go of Raleigh.

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 63

The next day, Detective Tan is back. They go to Dr. Stewart's office so he can interview Sam and Emma, only to find the room is completely trashed.

"This case gets weirder by the second," Tan commented as an aside.

"Who is this guy?" Sam asked. "He doesn't seem like the run of the mill psychopath to me."

"You're familiar with psychopaths?" Frank Tan looked skeptical.

"I spent a lot of time in juvie," Sam said. "I also have a crack head for a father. His customers are pretty f**ked in the head. I think one or two of them qualify."

Frank nodded. "Probably right. So, tell me about last night."

He took out an iPhone and a notebook. He listened, asking questions and making notes as the iPhone recorded the conversation. He talked to Sam first, then Emma.

"And why were you in his room?" He raised an eyebrow, gazing at Emma.

"I was terrified. Ever since we found Dr. Spiner and saw the man at the pool, I haven't been able to sleep unless Sam's with me."

"Thank God he went to your room first, not Sam's."

"I saw him clearly. Sam didn't. But how did he know who we were? Or which rooms were ours? The news report said that two residents had seen him, but they didn't say who."

Tan nodded, ducking his head. "I'm afraid there's a leak somewhere. I don't know if it's my people, or someone here."

"I think I know," Sam replied softly. "I didn't say anything before, because I wasn't sure what I knew." He grimaced. "I'm still not sure. I had a weird conversation with Dr. Abernathy yesterday. She said something that struck an odd note. She was talking about Hempe and she said he's dangerous and a genius. Manipulative, cagey. Then she said, He knows what people want and what they will do anything to protect."

"Those exact words?"

"Yes, sir. You know how something just doesn't feel right, but you can't put a finger on it?"

"Yeah."

"That's how I felt when I left. It didn't sit right."

"You should have called me, Sam."

"I didn't think about it, sir. Besides, what would I say, I have a funny feeling about my therapist?" He shook his head.

"Fair point."

"I wondered how well she knew Hempe. Or how much he knew about her."

"Is she at work today?"

"No idea. We were just getting up when you saw us. You'd have to ask Raleigh."

"I sure will. Meanwhile, I'd feel better if you went back with your friends while I talk to Glenn and Carlos."

Emma clung to Sam, lips trembling. "Are we still in danger?"

Frank Tan took her hand, holding it in both of his. "No, Emma. I'm here. Between me and Sam, you're okay. I promise."

Detective Tan walked them back to the common room. Molly plied them with coffee and more food. The girls surrounded Emma, the guys talked to Sam. Glenn and Carlos followed Frank Tan to the library. Carlos was already telling his side as they walked away.

"So, I grabbed my lamp and snuck into the hallway. Glenn almost hit me with the chair. The brute!"

Glenn laughed and the door closed, blocking off the sound.

Sam didn't know if he should tell the others about Dr. Abernathy, but he wanted to know if she was in the building.

"Is Dr. Abernathy here?" he asked, trying to sound plaintive.

Emma's head snapped up, but she said nothing.

"She didn't come in today. She said she wasn't feeling well," Raleigh replied. "You can talk to Dr. McNulty. I think he's in." He looked at Molly.

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 62

Sam gets cut in the fight with Hempe. A nurse in the lock down wing stitches him up, thanking Sam for taking the monster out. He shows Sam a scar from a cut that Hempe gave him.

"Shit!" Sam hissed. "I had help. I couldn't have done it without my friends."

The nurse smiled, clapping him on the shoulder. "You've got some damn good friends."

"Yes, sir, I do."

The nurse and the security officer led them out and the officer walked them back to the common room. He bid goodnight and left. Their friends were waiting and jumped up when they walked in. They gathered round, crowding Emma and Sam.

"So, it's over?" Emma asked Raleigh.

He looked away, somewhat furtively.

"He didn't escape, did he?" Emma asked.

"No. Nothing like that. Now the investigation begins. How did he get back in without being seen?"

"Makes a body wonder how much help he had," Molly said.

"Who would help a psycho like that?" Sam demanded. But he knew. He realized what he'd sensed in Dr. Abernathy's voice. Fear—and regret. Did he dare say anything? He could be wrong. Didn't he owe her the benefit of the doubt? It took a moment, but he realized that Raleigh was talking to him.

"You okay, Sam? You kinda zoned on us."

"I'm tired and I hurt like hell," he replied. It was the truth, just not all of it. "I just want to go to bed."

"Good idea," Molly said. "Though it's nearly morning wake up. I think we can afford to sleep in a wee bit. Things are likely to be in a turmoil for at least part of the day, while the police investigate. Whist, you lot. Off to bed!" She made sweeping motions with her hands.

None of them argued. They shuffled back to bed, yawning and groaning. Emma and Sam went to her room. His was roped off as a crime scene. She curled up in her recliner, leaving the bed for him. Despite how much his body hurt, Sam fell asleep immediately. He didn't wake up until nearly noon.

Everyone went down for lunch, somewhat subdued after their night's excitement. When they got downstairs, they were surprised to find Frank Tan at the dining room table with Molly and Raleigh. He stood when they came in, smiling.

"Hi, everyone. I have a few more questions and I need to take statements about last night. No worries, coffee and food first. But I have to do my job."

"What happens with Hempe now?" Sam asked as he ate.

"He goes to a prison psych ward," Tan replied. "In my opinion, he should have been there in the first place. But the judge is a limp wristed liberal...." He grinned sheepishly. "Sorry. He tried to kill someone I care about. I take it rather personally."

Sam nodded. "I get it."

"Sam and Emma, I'd like to start with you," Frank Tan said. "I have officers to take the other statements. When we're done, I'd like to talk to...." He checked his notes. "Glenn and Carlos." He smiled at the two men. They were bruised and obviously a bit worse for wear. "I'm guessing it's these guys?" He winked. "Quick thinking, gentlemen. You probably saved Sam's life."

"And has he thanked us?" Carlos teased.

"No, I haven't," Sam replied solemnly. "Thank you. You guys are two of the best friends I've ever had." He felt himself tearing up.

Glenn grinned, nodding. "Ditto. Carlos, dude, you whoop ass good."

The young gay man laughed. "I learned the hard way, believe me."

"If we can go somewhere private?" Frank Tan asked Raleigh.

"Sure. Let's put you in Dr. Stewart's office." He led them to the office and unlocked the door.

Total chaos greeted their eyes. Papers, books, nicknacks were scattered around the room. The upholstery on the chairs was torn, the desk turned over. Nothing had escaped. Even her plants had been uprooted and hurled around the room.

Frank was already on his phone, calling officers to the scene. He escorted Emma, Sam and Raleigh back to the common room. When his people arrived, he put the sergeant in charge and took the teenagers to the library.

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 61

Someone breaks into Sam's room, approaching the bed with a knife. Sam gets some help from friends.

"Beast!" Carlos screamed. "Get him, Sammy!"

Regaining his equilibrium, Sam aimed a solid kick at the man's head, connecting with a sharp slap of foot to face. The man flopped in a heap. Carlos sat on his back. Glenn kicked the knife out of the way and Donna brought in a belt and sash to tie the man. He was just coming around when Raleigh arrived with security.

"Jesus! What the hell?"

"Is it Hempe?" Sam asked.

"That's him," a security officer said, snapping cuffs on the big man. "I don't know how he got in here. We've had everything covered." He shook his head. "You okay, kid?" He gave a hand to Sam.

Shaking with an adrenaline surge, Sam staggered to his feet. Emma hopped off the bed and ran to his side. Her hands flew over his body, trying to check him all at once.

Glenn and Carlos reluctantly got off Hempe, allowing the security officers to take him away. Raleigh shook his head.

"I don't even wanna know why she's in here," he said. "But I think it probably saved her life."

"I was scared," Emma explained. "We only were sleeping, Raleigh, I swear."

He hugged her and she gave him a kiss. "I believe you, sweetheart. Come on downstairs. Molly's worried sick. She'll tend that cut for you, but I think you may need stitches."

"What cut?" Sam asked.

Raleigh pointed to his left forearm. Sam's knees collapsed at the sight of his forearm laid open nearly to the bone. Glenn and Carlos supported him down the stairs. The girls gathered around Emma and the other men cleared the dining room table, bringing Molly's medical supplies.

Shelby held the baby, cooing softly, while his mother tended the wounded. Carlos had a few bruises and a split lip. Glenn had claw marks on his shin. Molly fussed and tsked as she looked at Sam's arm.

"This is more than I can deal with. He'll need stitches. There's a nurse in the lock down ward. See him through," she ordered the security officer who had accompanied them.

"Will do, ma'am. Come on, kid." He jerked his head at Sam.

"I'm coming, too," Emma declared.

"Okay, young lady."

The others wanted to join them, but were told in no uncertain terms, to stay behind. Sam, Emma and the officer made a ragtag crew. He called ahead and the nurse met them at the door. He led them to a metal door with a small, security glassed window. He unlocked it and led them in. The officer stayed outside the door.

"This is nasty," the nurse said as he laid out a syringe, suture kit and gloves.

Sam gritted his teeth as the Lidocaine infiltrated his skin. "F**k, that burns! I hate that shit."

"I guarantee you'd hate stitches without it, more," the nurse said with a chuckle.

He was a pleasant looking man in his late fifties with brown hair and dancing blue eyes. He bustled around, laying out the instruments as they waited for the Lidocaine to take effect.

"You look like you've been in a war, kid. What did you do?"

"Took on a psychopath."

The man frowned. "Don't tell me Hempe came back?"

"I think he was looking for Emma and me. We're the ones who found Dr. Spiner."

"Oh, son, I'm sorry to hear that," the nurse said with a frown. "Hell of a thing." He tutted, shaking his head as he started to stitch. He took tiny, neat stitches, making them close together.

"All done," he announced about thirty minutes later. "Scaring should be minimal. Come see me in a week, and I'll take those out."

"Yes, sir. Thank you."

"No problem, kid." He held out his hand to Sam. "I wanna shake the hand of the man who took out Hempe." He and Sam shook hands. "See this scar?" He held up his hair and a long slice went across his forehead. "Hempe gave that to me the first week he was here."

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 60

Emma spies on him during an intimate moment. She asks him what he was thinking about, and he admits he imagined her—in Doc's red shoes. She promises that she'll buy a hot pair of shoes after they get out of Ravenwood.

Emma muffled a guffaw with her pillow. "Oh, my God! Really? I'd forgotten the shoe thing. I promise, when we get out of here, I'll buy some hot shoes and make sweet love to you."

"Wearing them," he added.

"Oh, you kinky darling."

The lights blinked signaling lights out. Sam turned off the light and Emma crawled in the bed. He cuddled up behind her, glad that some of his discomfort was gone. Emma wiggled her butt against his groin and Sam groaned.

"Please, don't do that."

"If I have to be miserable with no relief, you can be."

"I don't love you, and I hope you have a rotten night's sleep, and don't dream of making love to me," Sam fussed like a little kid.

Emma giggled. "I don't love you either, I hope you have a great night's sleep and dream of making love to me—because I'll be sharing that dream." She snuggled against him, smiling when she got the reaction she wanted.

Sam kissed her ear. "Bitch," he whispered.

Emma giggled softly. "I prefer Queen of the Damned," she murmured.

He nipped her ear. Her soft breathing told him she was already nearly asleep. He snuggled behind her and fell asleep.

A soft thump and shuffle woke Sam. Instantly alert, he slid out of his bed. Emma was sound asleep and he hoped she wouldn't wake up. At first, he thought someone was in his room, then he realized the noise came from across the hall. A whispered curse met his ears and the hairs on his neck stood at attention. Whoever it was seemed clumsy, uncaring of the noise he made.

Taking a chance that Raleigh had his phone on, he sent him a text. Someone's in Emma's room.

A few moments later, he got a message back. Not Emma?

No she's sleeping with me.

Stay put No hero Bringing help

Sam moved closer to the door. A creak in the hallway alerted him that the person was on the move.

No locks on the f**king doors! No weapons either. Dammit!

There was a dictionary on a shelf not far from the back of the door. Sam moved stealthily toward it, hoping to reach it before someone came in. His hand closed on the spine as his doorknob twitched. Picking up the book, he stood behind the door, waiting. A tall figure, much bulkier than Raleigh, entered. It moved toward the bed with assurance born of familiarity. It wasn't anyone Sam knew. The gait and carriage weren't like any of his friends.

Something glittered in the man's hand. Sam couldn't see it clearly, but it looked like the edge of a knife. He couldn't wait for Raleigh and the security guards, who might be a long time coming. Sam crept forward, dictionary clutched in his hands.

The man raised his hand and Sam saw a knife clearly. The metal caught the light of the searchlight that happened to swing toward them. Before he could bring it down, Sam jumped forward, swinging the dictionary with both hands. He connected with the knife hand, sending the blade spiraling into the darkness.

The man roared, turning on Sam. Emma woke with a shriek and kicked out, connecting with the back of the man's knee. He stumbled as he tried to jump Sam. Instead, he wobbled to his left, his knee collapsing. Emma kicked again, landing a solid foot to his ass. As he fell forward, Sam hit him with the dictionary.

Stunned, but not unconscious, the man roared again. He lunged at Sam, tackling him around the waist. He was taller, heavier and more solidly muscled than the lean teenager. The door flew open and Carlos ran through, followed by Glenn. Carlos held a desk lamp. Glen wielded a chair. With a banshee scream, Carlos hit the downed man with the lamp. Glenn yanked Sam free before hitting the man with the chair.

His head snapped back, bones broke, blood spewed from his mouth and a few teeth went flying. Still, the man didn't stop coming after Sam. Kicking at his face, Sam scrabbled backward. Glenn broke the chair over the man's back. Carlos hopped on his back, straddling him as he crawled and clawed at Sam.

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 59

Vera and Emma tell Sam that men don't corner the market on lust. They also discuss his dimensions in graphic terms, that make him swear—as Molly walks in.

"Mind explaining?" Molly's glance moved from face to face.

Sam turned away, hands in his pockets. "Nothing to explain. Sorry I lost my temper, Molly."

"You lot," Molly turned to the women. "You tormenting him?"

"Little bit," Vera admitted, holding her fingers half an inch apart.

Molly handed the dollar back. "You watch it, or I'll nail you twice for the next one. And you two, leave the man alone."

"Yes, Molly," they intoned.

"Sam, would you play me a tune?" Molly pointed to the guitars.

Someone had brought them over and set them in the corner.

"I thought we might like them tonight, so Raleigh brought them in before dinner. I want music."

Sam picked up his favorite of the guitars, tuning quickly. He struck a chord, smiling. His fingers flew over the strings in a lovely ripple of sound. Molly smiled, nodding her head with approval.

Glenn picked up another guitar and joined him on rhythm. The two of them played Penny for Your Thoughts by Peter Frampton. Others joined in and soon they were all playing the melody and improvised harmony. They played the short song through twice before drawing to a close.

The concert continued for nearly an hour, finally breaking up when the baby woke and Molly had to tend to him. Rather than going to their rooms so early, they got out a game and started playing Cards Against Humanity. They played nearly two hours, with Sam and Carlos tying as definitive winners. Glenn was a close second and, surprisingly, Freddie coming in third.

"It's official," Sam announced, exchanging a fancy handshake with Carlos. "We're the most horrible people here."

Carlos chuckled. "Well, I already knew that about myself. I'm surprised you didn't." He winked and trotted up the stairs.

Emma walked with Sam, her arm around him, her head on his shoulder. "You're not horrible, but you had some really good responses."

"It's a fun game. I enjoy the shock and awe factor." He gestured broadly, making his voice sound like a movie trailer announcer.

Emma giggled. "You do it well."

"You coming in again?" Sam whispered.

"If that's okay. I'm so scared, I can't stand it."

"Dr. Abernathy said it was okay, as long as we don't do anything but sleep."

Emma nodded. "I know this isn't easy for you."

"It's not easy for you either, Em. But you're doing so well. I'm really proud of how far you've come."

She gave him a fleeting kiss and went to her room.

Sam took another long, satisfying shower. He was just reaching his peak when someone tapped on the bathroom door.

"Sam?" It was Emma.

"Coming!" he gasped as he came. He stifled a moan, but he thought she might have heard him. He dried off and dressed in his pajama bottoms before going out.

Emma sat on the end of the bed, her pillow on her lap. She had an odd expression on her face. "I'm so sorry," she whispered. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

He could have made a big deal of it, but chose not to. "With no locked doors, it was bound to happen at some point. At least it was you and not Vera."

She giggled, nodding. "What were you thinking of?"

"Did—f**k, were you watching me?"

She nodded again. "Just for a minute—or two. I'm sorry. You had such a blissful expression on your face. I've only seen that when we make love."

"I was thinking of you," he admitted shyly. "Wearing Doc's kinky red shoes."

Emma muffled a guffaw with her pillow. "Oh, my God! Really? I'd forgotten the shoe thing. I promise, when we get out of here, I'll buy some hot shoes and make sweet love to you."

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 58

After talking to Dr. Abernathy, Sam is distracted and distant.

Sam wasn't very talkative at dinner. Even the subject of music didn't grasp his attention for long. His friends couldn't get a rise out of him until Carlos tossed down his napkin.

"You know, man, I been thinking about what you said about Warren Haynes' guitar playing. I think Eddie Van Halen is better."

Sam's eyes narrowed. "I know what you're trying to do. You're trying to suck me into an argument about guitarists and it's not going to work."

"No, man. Just stating a fact. Haynes is good, no doubt. But Van Halen. Way better."

Rolling his eyes, Sam crossed his arms and long legs. He glared at Carlos. "What's this really about? You don't think that. You told me yesterday you hate Van Halen."

"You're not yourself, dude. You okay?" Tim asked.

"I'm good. I'm just dandy." His response was somewhat hostile. Excusing himself, he took his dishes to the kitchen.

All eyes turned to Emma for explanation.

"Don't look at me. I have no idea. Excuse me." She got up and followed him, her dishes in hand.

Sam said nothing, merely took her dishes and rinsed them.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Peachy." He tried to walk away, but her hand on his arm stopped him.

"You're upset about something. We can all tell. Are you worried about Hempe?"

He shook his head, jaw working.

"Sam. Don't lie to me. I know you're worried. I'm terrified."

He held out his arms, taking her in his embrace. Emma clung to him, whimpering. The others started clearing the table, so the two of them moved into the community room.

"I always worry about your safety, Em. But we're safe here. You have to realize that. We've got armed guards and gates—"

"And you're still worried. I'm not the one who needs convincing, you are. If you relaxed, I'd relax. You're so tense." She felt his arms and the span of his shoulders. "Oh, baby. This no sex thing is killing you."

"You think?" He stalked away, hand tugging his hair. "Two weeks. I can handle two weeks." God, I can't handle two more f**king weeks!

"This isn't any easier for me, you know. At least you have the means to do something about yours. I just have to suffer. So, unless you've got a vibrator in your pants, along with that really delicious dick, shut up."

Vera happened to walk in right as she said that. A loud snort startled Sam and Emma.

"Sorry. Not exactly the conversation I thought we'd be having." Vera turned to go.

"No, you can stay," Emma said. "Tell him, though, it's no easier on women than it is on men. He seems to think he corners the market on lust, because he has testicles."

"Oh, babe, you wish. We may not get wood, but I assure you that we get to hurtin' too. Need that good lovin'. You can smack it. I don't know about sugar pea, but it's not easy pleasuring myself. I can't seem to get off on it at all."

"Nope," Emma replied. "Requires other equipment entirely."

Sam had to laugh. They both sounded so serious, he knew they were telling the truth. It put his own misery in perspective. "Okay. I'm being a dick."

"No, babe, but you've got one," Vera said. "And I'm guessing...." she narrowed her eyes, staring at his fly. "It's a nice one."

His hand went over his groin and he felt like she was trying to remove his jeans with her eyes. "Stop that!"

"It's a very nice one," Emma said. She held out her hands, index fingers about eight inches apart.

"F**king stop it!" Sam yelled.

Molly walked in, giving him the evil eye. He reached in his pocket and handed her a dollar.

"I don't give change," she replied.

"Keep it. I've said a few you missed."

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 57

Sam has a fun, and enlightening, chat with Dr. Abernathy. She asks him how he thinks Emma has reacted to Dr. Spiner's death.

Sam looked up. The question came out of left field, surprising him. "It's got her rattled. She came in and slept with me last night. She didn't want to be alone. Just slept!" He held up his hands, though she hadn't bridled at the remark.

"It's okay, Sam. We all need a little extra comfort right now. No more than that, you understand? I know that the urge is strong, but she needs the chance to put her abuse in perspective. She loves you. She wants to be with you, but she doesn't need the distraction, and neither do you. It's only a couple more weeks. Think you can handle that?"

He exhaled in a puff. "I hope so. Got to find me some special alone time. I'll be okay then."

Dr. Abernathy grinned. "I was going to suggest that. I think you'd find it helpful."

"My doctor suggesting I jack off? Is that part of my therapy, Doc?" He chuckled.

"It can be very therapeutic. Sex is a great stress reliever. It releases all kinds of endorphins. Why do you think people get addicted to it?"

"No argument from me," he agreed. "Is this all we're gonna talk about?"

"Not if you want to discuss something else."

Sam rubbed his face, hopping up to pace the room. "How worried do we need to be about this Hempe guy? Do you think he can break in and hurt us?"

Dr. Abernathy sighed. "You asked the one question I don't feel comfortable answering."

"Level with me, Doc. I'm worried about Emma."

She stood, walking over to him, gazing up at him. "They haven't found him yet. He's very dangerous and he's a genius. He's manipulative and cagey. He knows what people want and what they will do anything to protect. He'll lie, cheat, steal, beat and kill to get what he wants."

"Is that what he did to Dr. Spiner? The lying, cheating and stealing didn't work, so he beat him to death?" Sam's face paled.

Dr. Abernathy took his hands in hers. "He's gone, Sam. He can't hurt you here."

"Are you sure? He killed someone and broke out of a lock down facility. If he got out, what's to keep him from getting back in?"

"The police—"

"No offense, but I don't trust the police to know their feet from their ass crack. What am I up against? How bad is he?"

Dr. Abernathy's face paled and she turned away. "He's the Devil himself, Sam."

"Then he'd better be careful around me," he murmured, standing straighter. "Because I'm f**king Sir Galahad and I'll beat the Devil down."

Even though it wasn't time for him to go, he turned and left. Something about the conversation felt odd. He couldn't put his finger on it, but he found it unsettling. Dr. Abernathy seemed to know more about Gerard Hempe than she was willing to admit. Had he been her patient? Maybe her lover? He didn't know, but he suspected something big lay just beneath the surface, fighting to get out.

Sam didn't head straight to the kitchen. His conversation with Dr. Abernathy had left him unsettled on more than one level. The conversation about the shoes had brought home to him just how much he needed relief. Normally, he'd have hooked up with a girl at a party, or enticed Emma to make love with him. He didn't have either of those options. Instead, he decided a shower was in order. Since locked doors were against the rules, he hoped no one would come looking for him. He needed some alone time.

The shower stung his skin, turning him bright pink. He lathered up, his hands dropping to his engorged groin. He pictured Emma wearing the pointy red shoes and a matching corset. Closing his eyes, he worked out his frustration the only way he could. Not nearly as satisfying as the real thing, he did feel a little better when he was done. The image of Emma and the red shoes stayed with him, lingering on the edges of his mind. He tried to drive it away, but it crept back, haunting him.

Gonna be spending a lot of alone time. Damn. Two weeks. I can last two weeks. It won't kill me—it will just feel like it.

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 56

Carlos talks to Emma, then assures Sam that she doesn't know about last night's escapades with the guards.

Carlos walked off and Sam tapped on the doctor's office door.

"Come in," she called, somewhat distracted. She frowned at her computer before smiling at Sam. "Hi, you must be Samuel."

"Sam, please."

"I'm Dr. Abernathy. Make yourself comfortable. Would you prefer the door be open or closed?"

"I'm easy, Doc. What do you want?" He winked at her.

She giggled. "Close it then. I want to take off my shoes. I don't know why I bought these." She kicked them off again, letting them land haphazardly on the floor.

Sam stooped, picking them up. He set them neatly together near her chair before sitting down. "Cause they're hot," he replied, shrugging. "That's how they sucker you in. They make them so damn cute, you can't resist. And you don't care that they pinch your toes or put you at an impossible angle so your arches feel like they're bending backwards. Those are hot shoes. Men look at feet, in case you ever wondered. Some of us like sexy footwear."

Dr. Abernathy giggled. "I never thought I'd have this kind of conversation with a client. You think the shoes are hot, Sam?"

"Oh, yeah. On the right woman, I'd be all over that action." He laughed as he put his right heel on his left thigh. "Emma would look amazing in those," he added dreamily.

Dr. Abernathy watched his expression as he thought about Emma. It went from fondness to lust in seconds. He blushed when he realized she was staring at him.

"Sorry. Starting to feel the pinch. This no sex thing isn't easy, not when you're used to a steady supply."

"I imagine not." She picked up the shoes and tossed them behind her desk. One landed on a chair, the other tumbled out of sight. "So, you think that Emma would look good in those shoes? I think she'd find them as uncomfortable as I do."

"Probably. But she wouldn't have to wear them long." He smirked. "I see why you like them, though."

"Oh, yeah? You're the psychiatrist now?" Her eyes narrowed playfully.

"You're freaking short, Doc. What are you, like five one? You get around tall people and you feel inferior. You think the shoes give you an edge. They make you a little taller and make you feel more confident. When all they really do is pinch the hell out of your feet."

She laughed hard, tossing her hair out of her face. "You should be a therapist, Sam. You're good. That's exactly right. So, what do you think? Keep or get rid of?"

"Keep them and wear them when you want to get your boyfriend cranked."

"How do you know I'm not married or engaged?"

He held up his left hand, pointing to the ring finger. "Dead give. But you don't strike me as gay, so I'm assuming, perhaps erroneously, that there's a man in your life and you really bought the shoes for him. So don't wear them to work, wear them right before bedtime. Matching teddy or a corset. Make love with your shoes on." He groaned, grasping his head with his hands. "Please, just shoot me. I've got sex on the brain."

"How long has it been since you had sex, Sam?"

"Honest answer? I don't remember. We've been here a month and it was at least that long before. Emma was on a binge, and we weren't spending quality time."

"Aren't there other girls?"

He shrugged. "Sometimes. But they aren't Emma. I could scratch with another girl, but it wouldn't be as good. It's better when you love someone, don't you think?"

"I do. You're an interesting man, Sam. Does Emma feel the same way?"

"I hope so. She says she does."

"How do you think this incident with Dr. Spiner has affected her?"

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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