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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"Alone in the big city, Pia Donvan is feeling rather lost when she finally arrives at the majestic, old hotel in the downtown area" ~ So Much It Hurts by Dellani Oakes

 

Alone in the big city, Pia Donvan is feeling rather lost when she finally arrives at the majestic, old hotel in the downtown area. All that changes when she meets Flynn Chancellor. He and his roommate, Yancy Fredrick, take an interest in Pia, introducing her to their city. Pia seems to have found her niche, making friends with the friendly residents in the old hotel. Life seems perfect, until one weekend when everything changes forever.

So Much It Hurts by Dellani Oakes follows three people, each wonderful in their own way. Mexican-Irish Pia Donavan arrives in the big city from a small town in Nebraska to pursue a degree in music. As a child of a college professor, her family moved around a lot which forced her to cultivate friends. At her new residence, the old Ambassador Hotel, she takes to the avant-garde college population. On the first day she meets two handsome young men who are roommates, Flynn and Yancy. “A girl would be an idiot, or crazy, to pass up on either of you two,” she says.

Pia becomes acquainted with Flynn first. He’s a PhD candidate in art but has painting gigs on the side. Paint is his medium, and bodies are his canvas. He paints landscapes and soon has a money-making opportunity with an outdoorsy company, Crossfire. After being with Pia for a few days, Flynn is off to help this camping and hiking company create their launch. In the woods he’s occupied with lighting, reflection, shadows, and models.

In the meantime, Pia hangs out with Yancy, an accounting major. In his company she takes part in an impromptu concert with other music majors using a harpsichord and antique instruments. She sings. She invites new acquaintances to her apartment to cook together. Just about everything she does goes up on Youtube.com because of her sweetness, talent, and spirit. With Yancy she finds her niche.

One night something happens. This something reminds her of her former boyfriend’s betrayal. What is the right thing to do? A theme running through this book is fear. They grapple with decision-making, the kind tying people up in knots. Can these people leave fear at the door or throw it out the window? I highly recommend Dellani Oakes' So Much It Hurts to every reader.

Five Star Review by Kathleen Rowland

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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Baby, It's Cold Outside! Curl Up with a Good Book ~ Room 303 – A Marice Houston Mystery by Dellani Oakes

 

Marice is back. Like always, trouble seems to follow her around, especially when she gets around her friend, Todd. He's trying to move on, after the incident with Orson Roberts a year or so ago, but finding it hard. Fortunately, he's found a lady friend to help him, Emily. Unfortunately, she's got secrets, which catch up with her. When on their first date, Emily is shot, and Todd's up to his ears in freaky intrigue once more. With the help of Marice and friends, he's doing his best to muddle through and find out what went wrong in Room 303.

Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 55

 

Emma meets Dr. Abernathy, confiding in her that if anything happened to Sam, she would kill herself.

"Don't you think Sam would want you to keep living without him?"

"I couldn't live without him. He thinks I could, but I can't. He's been a part of me too long. If he died, I'd die too."

"You're very young to have that fatalistic an attitude."

"I was even younger when my father started raping me, Dr. Abernathy. Every time, the only thing that got me through it was knowing I had Sammy. If I lost him, my stability would be gone."

"Is he just your stability?"

"Sam is the air I breathe. He's my nourishment. He's the blood in my veins. He is everything I want to be and can't be yet."

"How do you mean? Why can't you be?"

"I'm not as strong as Sam. I may never be."

"I think you're wrong, Emma. He's endured a lot, that's true. But look at what you've done with your life."

"Aside from the drinking, drugs and dozens of unknown men?"

"I'm not talking about what you did to run away from it. I mean what you did to fight it."

"Nothing. I did nothing to fight it. I gave in! It's my fault!"

"No, honey. It's not your fault. It's your father's fault. You endured, you lived, you didn't back down, but kept speaking up."

"For all the good it did."

"You're not to blame that no one listened."

Emma had never considered that before. Put in that perspective, she had to agree. She had tried to speak out. She'd defied her father's commands to stay silent. No one believed her but Sam.

"He believes me," Emma whispered. "Sam always believes me."

Dr. Abernathy smiled. "Do you know how rare that is? I know grown men who aren't as mature as Sam."

They ended their session soon after. Emma went back to the bathroom only to find that Carlos had finished her job for her. She thanked him with a kiss.

"Least I can do, little sister. You okay?"

"I've been better, but a hell of a lot worse."

"Baby," he took her hands. "You are loved. Not just by Sam, but by all of us. People come and go here, but in the last month, I've made friends for life. I know if I ever need any of you, you'll come running. And I will do the same. That's a very special thing."

"I feel the same way." She sighed, hugging herself. "I don't want to leave here. I feel safe, secure—like I can take on any problem and laugh it off. I'm so scared of being on the outside again."

"You and me both, baby." He put his arms around her, pulling her close.

Emma put her head on his shoulder, hugging him.

"It's gonna be okay, Emma. You have to believe that. I tell myself that every minute of every day. I'm almost to the point where I believe it."

"You're a good man, Carlos. And I love you to bits."

He laughed. "I wish you loved me like you do Sam, but I don't see that happening any time soon. But I'll settle for this."

They walked out of the bathroom together and headed to the broom closet to put their supplies away. Sam was coming down the hall when they came out.

"I'm going to Abernathy's office?" He gestured questioningly.

"I got this," Carlos said. "See you in the kitchen," he told Emma.

She wasn't sure why he wanted to talk to Sam alone, but she nodded. Kissing Sam, she headed to the kitchen. The men went in the opposite direction. Carlos leaned close, his mouth near Sam's ear.

"She suspect anything?" Sam asked.

"No. It's cool," Carlos replied.

"Good. I feel like I have scorpions on my back. This is making me crazy."

"Me too. Here's Dr. Abernathy's office. Come to the kitchen if you get out before lunch."

"Will do. Thanks."

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 54

 

After an uneasy night, they get a happy announcement. Tim and Shelby say they are getting married.

The girls descended on her in a giggling, hugging wave. The men shook hands with Tim. He grinned proudly.

"Not right away," he added as an after thought. "We want to do it right, plan it carefully. We're gonna make sure you're all invited. You've all given us so much support. I never would have had the balls to ask her if it hadn't been for what I've learned here."

Shelby and Tim kissed. The others joined them, hugging and kissing cheeks. Eventually, Molly got their attention to remind them they had dirty dishes to deal with. They hustled around, loading up the dishwashers quickly before starting the rest of their chores. Emma was cleaning the bathroom when Carlos popped his head inside.

"Dr. Abernathy wants to see you."

"Me? Why?"

"No idea, babe. Don't look so worried. She's nice. I was just talking to her." He put an arm around Emma's neck, leading her to Dr. Abernathy's office. It wasn't far from Dr. Stewart's, but down a different arm of the hallway. He tapped on the doctor's door.

"Yes? One second." She answered a few moments later. She tried to smile, but there was sorrow in her eyes. "You must be Emma. I'm Doctor Abernathy. Please come in. Thank you, Carlos." She squeezed his hand, nodding to him.

When the young Latino left, Dr. Abernathy gestured toward the chairs and couch in her office. "Take a seat anywhere. Door open or closed?"

Emma was a little surprised by the question. "Closed is fine, thank you. No one ever asked me that before." She settled on a soft pouf in the middle of a cluster of chairs. She faced the desk, but Dr. Abernathy took a seat near her, putting her feet on an ottoman. She kicked off her high heeled shoes with a sigh.

"Thank you. I hate wearing these shoes, but I'm tired of being a foot shorter than everyone."

Emma smiled. She was average height, but often felt small among all the very tall men around. "I get it. But they are so cute!"

Dr. Abernathy laughed. "I had a professor who said you could tell a lot about a woman based on the shoes she wore." She glanced down at her red, pointy toed pumps with the small bow on the back and the stiletto heels. "I hate to think what he'd say about me, if he saw them."

Emma held her head to one side. "You're a sexy minx with a side order of masochist." She winked.

Tossing back her head, Dr. Abernathy laughed. "You have no idea how close you are to right. I'm convinced all shoe designers are misogynists. But that's a conversation for another time." She turned serious, her smile fading. "I'm going to be your therapist for a while, if that's okay. Dr. Stewart personally asked me to take you on. We don't think that Dr. McNulty has quite the right approach."

Emma shivered at the other man's name. "He makes me really nervous," she whispered. "Thank you and please tell Dr. Stewart I said thanks."

"Of course. Are you okay? I know the whole incident has been pretty frightening."

Nodding, Emma pulled up her knees, arms wrapped tightly around them. "It was awful. So much blood!"

"You saw? Sam said he—"

"I didn't have to see it to know. Sam turned pale and started shaking. I knew it was bad, so I didn't try to look. Poor Sammy, he does so much to keep me safe. It's my fault we were down there in the first place. I just wanted someplace quiet where we could be alone. It's been too long since we had some alone time."

"You're very fond of him, aren't you."

"He's my rock. I love him more than life. If anything happened to Sammy—"

"What would you do?"

"I'd kill whoever hurt him and then I'd kill myself."

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Ring in the New Year! ~ Room 203 – A Marice Houston Mystery by Dellani Oakes

 

Having just moved in with her fiance, Kris, Marice isn't too happy to be given an out of town job. She has been sent to Daytona Beach, Florida. There's been a huge sting operation, and the local FBI is under scrutiny. The Marshals have been called in to oversee prisoner transfers.

Things get sticky when Marice and her team are ordered to transport the ringleader, China Finetti, from Daytona Beach to a federal prison in Kansas City. Someone sets a car bomb, injuring Marice and Butch—and that's only the tip of the iceberg. Everything seems to point to China Finetti pulling the strings from prison—if so, how do they prove it?

Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 53

 

That night, Sam seems activity outside, and realizes that the facility guards are patrolling the grounds. Are they worried that Hempe will return?

Suddenly craving Emma's warmth and nearness, he crawled back in bed with her, wrapping himself around her protectively. He couldn't stop shivering. He was as afraid as he'd been his first night in juvie, so many years ago. He'd never been so scared as he was that night. The sounds in that place were terrifying. Somehow, the very silence of this made it worse.

Emma moved over to give him room, but snuggled against him as soon as he stopped moving. Her body against his was reassuring. He fell asleep, but his dreams were troubled.

The alarm buzzer sounded. Sam woke slowly to find Emma already up. She scurried across the hall, quietly closing the door to her room before anyone else was out. Once Sam was dressed, he opened his door and waited for her to come back.

"Good morning, handsome!" she greeted him as she did every morning.

"Hey, beautiful."

They shared a chaste kiss and a hug. Carlos was the next out.

"Hello, gorgeous!" He did an air kiss with Emma. "Butch!" He punched Sam in the arm.

"Ouch. What was that for?"

"Uncle Carlos knows all and sees all," he whispered, his mouth close to Sam's ear. "Did someone sleep with someone else?" He raised a disapproving eyebrow.

Emma flounced off, leaving Sam to fend for himself.

"We slept, okay? She was scared of that convict guy. Something strange was going on over there last night." Sam pointed over his shoulder to the lock down wing.

"You noticed that too? They woke me around three. One of the search lights kept swinging its white hot light into my bedroom. If they want to see me naked, all they have to do is ask!" He chuckled. "I finally put my spare blanket over the window and got a little more sleep."

"It really gave me the creeps," Sam admitted as they walked downstairs. "Don't say anything to Emma. She's freaked enough as it is."

"Who's freaked about what?" Cory, whose room was on the same side, asked.

"Emma's a bit freaky about that Hempe guy."

"Well, yeah! I am too. Did you see the show last night?"

"That's what we were talking about. I don't want Emma to know."

"She's gonna find out, sugar. I won't say anything, but Benji's room is right next to mine. He can't keep his mouth shut for nothin'."

"Glenn's next to me," Sam said. "But I doubt he'll mention it."

"I'll talk to him. You grab Benji. He's on the stairs." Cory sped up, calling to Glenn to wait for her.

Benji nearly ran them down, he was so excited. "Did you see it?"

"See what?" Carlos asked, trying to play it cool.

"All the action last night. I wonder if someone else escaped."

"Keep it down, would you?" Sam asked him. "I don't want Emma to hear."

"Oh, man! Why not? This is the coolest thing that's happened here."

"Someone died the other night," Sam explained. "And we may have seen his killer. She's a little freaked. So please, keep it shut or I'll shut it for you."

"Sheesh, lighten up, huh? I won't say anything for her sake. I happen to like her!" He walked quickly toward the dining room.

"He keeps it up," Sam mumbled to Carlos. "I'll kill him myself and swear he died of a fit."

Carlos stifled a laugh, making it sound as if he'd choked on a large frog.

Cory gave them a thumb's up as she sat next to Glenn. Sam nodded, raising an eyebrow at Benji. He didn't know if the hyper young man was going to talk or not. He couldn't make the guy shut up without violence. Emma would never forgive him if he got thrown in jail.

Sam and Carlos were the last to sit down. Molly offered blessing and they started passing food. Most of the talk centered around the baby. As they were finishing, Tim stood up, nervously shifting from foot to foot.

"Shelby and I have an announcement," said excitedly. "Honey?"

Shelby tugged on his hand, bouncing excitedly in her chair. "Tim and I get out next week and we're getting married!" She squeaked happily.

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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Emma, Dangerous by Dellani Oakes – Part 52

 

Molly's home from the hospital. Everyone is still shaken by Dr. Spiner's death, so she orders and impromptu concert.

"I'll take the vocal on this one," Raleigh said. He'd been singing harmony quietly from time to time, but hadn't volunteered to take lead. He cleared his throat, nodding at them to begin. He sang the entire song to Molly, holding her hand as he gazed into her eyes. It wouldn't have mattered if the others were in the room. Molly and Raleigh were in their own little world. When the song ended, he kissed her lightly on the lips.

"Thank you," she murmured, wiping a tear.

"I love you," he replied quietly. "Thank you for my son."

The others, sensing they needed some privacy, quietly took the guitars back to the studio and made their way upstairs. It was almost lights out, so they didn't linger in the hallway.

Emma tapped on Sammy's door. "Suddenly, I'm terrified," she said, her eyes large. "I keep imagining that man—"

"You're safe here, Em."

"I guess you're right. But still.... Can I sleep in here?"

"Molly would have a cow."

"She'll never know. I'll leave before she even sees me. No one will rat us out. I just want to sleep, Sam."

"Yeah, I know," he acted disappointed. "I guess I can live with that. Though how my nuts are gonna feel in the morning—I dunno."

"You can pleasure yourself in the shower." She went back to her room for her pillow.

Sam's barking laugh followed her across the hall. The lights in the bedrooms went out as she came back to his room. The lights in the hall dimmed at night, but remained on. Emma could see a little bit due to the light trickling under the door. She found her way to the bed and slid in beside Sam, lying on her side, facing the door. He cuddled behind her, his arm around her.

"I wouldn't do this for anyone else," he mumbled, already half asleep.

"I know. And no one else makes me feel as safe as you do." Emma kissed his hand. "I love you, Sam. Good night."

"Night, Emmie Lou," he squeezed her breast. "You're killing me."

They settled down for the night and were soon sleeping soundly.

Sam sat up in bed, befuddled and disoriented. Something had woken him, but he couldn't figure out what it was. Emma lay beside him, sound asleep. What had he heard? A noise in the hall? Something outside? He had grown accustomed to the nighttime noises here, but this was out of the ordinary. Not hearing a repeat, he lay back down, but he was too warm with Emma in the bed. He was usually warm when he slept, and she made him too hot. He flipped the blanket off his feet and tried to get comfortable, but the twin bed wasn't made for two, especially when one of them was Sam's size.

He got up and used the bathroom, coming back to find Emma sprawled across the bed. He made a halfhearted effort to wake her, but she was too soundly asleep. Instead, he took an extra blanket and went to the recliner by the window. He couldn't sleep anyway, so he might as well get up for a bit. A glance at the clock told him it was around three in the morning. He settled in the recliner. Suddenly chilly, he tucked the blanket around his legs.

Movement outside caught his attention. Ravenwood was an elongated L shape with their part of the facility making the foot. This was the part of the building that housed the doctor's offices, pool and gymnasium. His room was on the back of the building, overlooking the lock down wing. Something was going on over there. All the lights were on and searchlights swept the grounds. People wandered around in distinct search patterns.

Sam's vision was poor enough that he couldn't see explicit details, but he was pretty sure that the searchers were armed. Intrigued, Sam eased himself out of the chair onto the broad windowsill. He sat there for over an hour, watching the dark figures move around. He realized that they weren't so much looking for something, but guarding.

They're worried that Gerard Hempe will come back. Have they spotted him? Is he on the grounds?

©2020 Dellani Oakes

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