Absent Shadows: Destiny Part 21

* CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO *.

My departure date was fast approaching ... and now I was going to be gone for ten days. And even though Sam and I had spent a lot of time together over the last few days, we hadn't talked. Not about anything important anyway. Not about us.

Maybe we could catch up tonight, or tomorrow morning? We weren't leaving for Queensland until tomorrow afternoon so I could spend a few hours with him. I needed to convince him that I shouldn't leave ... but how could I convince him of something that I wasn't entirely sure of myself?

I sat on the edge of the bed with my phone in my lap, then finally just pushed the b.u.t.ton. He answered straight away.

'Good morning. Did you sleep well?' he asked, sounding cheerful enough.

'Like a baby, thanks,' I lied.

'Good. So ... I hope you have a nice trip. Tom and I are heading out of town too. This morning actually, so I won't see you until you get back.'

'Oh ... I see."

'Hey, but make sure you leave that Sat.u.r.day night free ... when you get back-it's Michael and Crystal's anniversary. Tom and I thought we'd throw them a little surprise party.'

He sounded relaxed. The thought of not seeing me for ten days didn't seem to be bothering him at all.

'Their anniversary? That's ... great. Is it a special one?' I asked, trying to keep the hurt out of my voice.

'Yeah, pretty special. A hundred and fifty years,' he said slowly.

'Wow ... that's like ... forever. I didn't know they were that old.'

'Yeah, well, Crystal is over two-hundred. And Michael's a little over one-hundred and fifty-five. I know he was quite young when they met.'

'You mean ... he was only five when they got married? That's gross.'

'I'm sure it sounds strange to you, but dhampirs mature very quickly. By five he'd have looked exactly as he does now.'

'Oh, well, if you say so. But, how did they meet? I mean ...him being so young and all.'

'They met at Mladen's school.'

'Oh ... well, that sounds ... normal, I guess,' I said, wondering who Mladen was, and what sort of school Michael and Crystal would have gone to.

'Yes, I suppose it does. Michael was a student ... and Crystal was one of the teachers.'

'Oh,' I said, dragging out the word.

'That sounds bad, doesn't it,' he laughed. 'But really, they became best friends, and I suppose it was clear to Mladen that they were deeply in love-so he suggested the union.'

This Mladen sounded important, but I didn't want to ask about him ... not now. I wanted Sam to talk about us ... I wanted to hear that he was going to miss me ... as much as I'd miss him. Ten whole days.

There was silence on the phone for a moment. I was hoping he would mention where he was going, but when he didn't, I decided to ask. 'So, where are you and Tom are going? Am I allowed to ask?'

'Of course ... we're heading up north ... same as you, actually. Michael wants us to see if there's any trace of Zunios. Just a precaution of course, we don't expect to find anything. We're pretty sure he's gone back to Europe. But just in case, we'll have a bit of a look around.'

'You'll be careful won't you?' I felt like an idiot the second I'd said it-of course he'd be careful.

'Sure, I guess. Anyway, you have fun. And don't forget to take your phone with you. Ring me, if you need anything. Otherwise, I'll see you when you get back.'

I felt empty as soon as he hung up. I'd gotten so used to seeing him nearly every day-the thought of going away felt like some sort of torture. And if I could barely leave for ten days, how on earth could I go back to California? And that date was drawing closer and closer by the minute.

Tuesday morning was just as Debs had promised; beautiful. My room was bright, bathed in sunshine. I opened the sliding door and stepped out onto the little balcony. The breeze was cool on my face, and I was certain I could smell the sea. We were in Queensland-Surfers Paradise. If I had to be away from Sam, I supposed this wasn't the worst place I could be.

I slipped out of the apartment, careful not to wake anyone. I took the lift to the ground floor, then walked out through the lobby without seeing a soul. I crossed the main drag and headed to the small path that led over the sand dunes down to the beach. I remembered what Ian had said about turning around as soon as I got onto the sand, to memorize the names of the buildings closest to the path so I could easily find my way back.

I walked through the soft sand down to the water's edge then turned to my right and started a nice slow jog. The hard packed sand felt beautiful under foot. The air was crisp and clean-no exhaust from cars. The beach seemed to stretch for miles in front of me. Could it be ten miles? If it wasn't, it sure looked it. There were a few other runners and lots surfers out on their boards, but other than that the beach was pretty much empty at this early hour. Surfers Paradise-a fitting name.

I checked my watch-six twenty-five. I'd run for thirty minutes down the beach, then turn around and be back in time for breakfast. I doubted the others would even be up before I got back. This was a vacation after all.

After a few minutes I got into a steady pace. My breathing was even-my lungs were happy with the feel of the cool morning air. There was nothing under foot to worry about and my mind had gotten over the novelty of looking at the beauty surrounding me. And so my thoughts turned to Sam; how I wished he could be here with me, on the beach, right now-and how much I hated being away from him. Then, inevitably, my mind turned to the decision that had yet to be made.

I felt tears of frustration well up in my eyes as I ran. I couldn't keep putting off making a decision-I was running out of time. And yet I was no closer than I'd been two weeks ago. I'd be leaving Australia in less than three weeks unless I changed my flight. And I'd promised Sam I wouldn't change it. So, what on earth was I going to do?

I remembered to look at my watch. It was nearly time to head back. I ran for another three minutes, then did a wide U-turn and headed back the way I'd come. The wind, or should I say slight breeze, was behind me now making the running that little bit easier. I'd be back in no time. But I was still no closer to a decision.

When I got back to the apartment, they were all up. Debs had just made a pot of coffee and was putting some bread in the toaster. She grinned at me and said, 'Impeccable timing, yet again.'

Ian looked over the top of his gla.s.ses as he read the morning paper. 'Ah, good morning, Lili. Would you and Claire like to go to the golf course with us today? Debs and I are booked in, but you and Claire could take a lesson if you wanted to.'

I looked at Claire, but she answered for us both. 'Thanks for the offer, Doctor Worthington, but I've had a few lessons, and my parents have pretty much banned me from playing after I accidentally hit the instructor with the club ... twice. I don't think golf is my game,' she said, with a hint of laughter in her voice.

'Please, call me Ian. For the next few days I'd like to forget that I'm a doctor. As for the golf, I think I agree with your parents under the circ.u.mstances,' replied Ian, his eyebrows scrunching up as he sort of cringed. 'So, will you girls find things to keep you busy? We're playing eighteen holes, and can't get on until quarter to eleven so we probably won't be back here until late afternoon.'

Claire winked at me, and said in her sweetest voice, 'Yes, thank you Ian. We'll find things to keep us entertained. You enjoy your golf, and we can have a c.o.c.ktail when you return. Then I hope you will allow me to buy us dinner somewhere tonight, to thank you for including me in this little getaway.'

Claire never ceased to surprise me, but then again, I supposed she'd been brought up well. She could be very polite and mature at times.

Ian smiled, obviously impressed. 'Yes, well, we were just glad that you could join us. You're great company for Lili. And as for dinner tonight, that would be lovely, indeed. I spotted what looks to be a casual steak and seafood place just around the corner when I went out for the paper. If we go there we can have a few drinks with our dinner without worrying about driving. Yes, that does sound delightful.'

'That settles it then, it's a date,' replied Claire.

'Perfect. So, you girls enjoy yourselves then. The pool looks very nice. I dare say it will be warm enough for a dip a bit later.'

He took another sip of his coffee, then folded the paper and pushed it across in front of me. 'Here you go-have a look in the paper. There might be a section with movies or something. Oh, but it's the Melbourne paper so it probably won't be much good to you after all.'

That's when I saw it-the girls face. It was glaring up at me as though she was here in the room with us. It was the girl from the gardens, the girl who had me find the gun-the girl who I had tried to put out of my mind for good-Rachel.

I hoped no one noticed my hand shaking as I unfolded the paper to read the article.

Police have arrested a suspect in last year's triple murder case of Patricia Shaw and her two daughters. Her husband, prominent solicitor Richard Shaw, was questioned by police at the time of the murder but was released due to lack of evidence. New evidence has come to light, and he has been remanded in custody. A trial date is yet to be determined.

I suddenly felt clammy, and struggled to control my shaking as I refolded the paper and pushed it away from me. They'd arrested her father-her murderer. I should be happy, shouldn't I? Then why did I feel sick to my stomach?

As soon as the door shut behind Debs and Ian, Claire let out a huge sigh. 'Finally, I thought they'd never leave!'

'Why? What are you up to Claire?'

'You'll never guess who rang me this morning? And who is going to be right here, in Surfers Paradise, later today?'

I didn't dare to hope that it could have been Tom. Sam did say there were 'going north'. He hadn't actually said where, and I hadn't asked. I looked at Claire and just shook my head and shrugged.

'Tom, of course. He and Sam are on their way up to Cairns but he said they can spare a few hours with us today. Seems they flew up to the Gold Coast yesterday, hired a car and have been working up here, not that I have any idea what sort of work they'd be doing here? Talking to banana growers or something? Anyway, they fly out later today but he said they'd drop around for a swim with us at mid-day if we were just going to be hanging out. How's that for luck?'

Luck. Was that what it was? Or were they checking up on us? Sam never failed to surprise me. One minute he seemed as hopelessly in love with me as I was with him. Then he'd slip back into his sullen mood, and I'd feel like I'd done something wrong ... or that he was having doubts about us. But now, for him to come here today, well, he mustn't have too many doubts-not today.

I put Rachel out of my mind, and the frustration I'd felt down on the beach this morning seemed to fade away too. Things would be just fine. Everything would work out-somehow.

Claire interrupted my thoughts with a gentle nudge when I didn't reply to her. 'Hey, you heard what I said, right? They'll be here ... at mid-day ...?'

At quarter to twelve Claire banged on the bathroom door to say Tom had just rung-they were downstairs. I looked at myself in the mirror, shaking my head. What was I thinking when I'd agreed to buy this new black bathing suit? This body hadn't seen sun for, like, ever.

'Well, I'm ready. You?' Claire said, smiling as I opened the door.

She looked gorgeous. She had on a floral bikini and a long, sheer white shirt over the top of it-just sheer enough that the bright colours of her bikini showed through. And her legs were beautifully tanned and smooth. Her look was complete with delicate white sandals that made her feet look tiny.

Then I looked down at my own feet beneath my running shorts and t-shirt; they looked huge in a pair of rubber thongs. I shook my head and gritted my teeth, then grabbed my keys, phone and a couple of towels.

'As ready as I can be I guess. Let's do this,' I said, feeling like I was jumping out of that airplane again.

We met them at the foyer, and then walked along the shady path to the swimming pool. Luckily there was no-one else there. We grabbed a couple of the lounge chairs and pulled them up to a table with a big umbrella and dropped all our gear onto the table.

Claire smiled and slowly pulled off her shirt, making a real display of brushing her hair back out of her face as she closed her eyes and turned her face up to the sun. She stepped out of her sandals and walked over to the pool, putting one foot in to test the water.

'It's not too bad,' she said. Then she took a couple of steps back and ran up to the edge and jumped in, barely making the surface of the water move.

'Wow, eh?' said Tom, winking at Sam. 'That's my girl!'

Tom stripped off his shirt and shorts to reveal what had to be about the most perfect male body I'd ever seen. He was all muscles-his body no less stunning than his perfect face. I couldn't help but stare as he ran over to the pool where Claire had gone in, and did a similar dive to hers. I blushed when I realized that Sam was watching me as I watched Tom.

'They're well suited, aren't they?' he asked, smiling.

'Hmm... yes, they are perfect, aren't they? Disgustingly perfect, if you ask me.'

We both laughed, and I could only a.s.sume he felt the same as I did-it was impossible not to admire them, and impossible not to like them as well.

'Shall we?' he asked.

I suddenly felt sick with nerves, but it was too late to do anything about it. I looked at Sam and mumbled something about it being winter and not having thought about swimming ...

He smiled and took my hands in his and brought them up to his lips, gently kissing my fingers.

'You are not Claire, and never will be. But you, my dearest, are perfect to me in every way possible.'

I was pretty sure that my heart stopped. I know it missed at least one beat. I felt faint, and wondered if he could feel me starting to slip into unconsciousness. But as soon as I remembered to breathe, I felt fine. I pulled the t-shirt off over my head, and slipped off my shorts. As I looked down at my legs I thought maybe they weren't quite as shockingly white as I'd imagined, even though they didn't stand a chance compared to Claire's. But Sam didn't seem to notice. He smiled as he stripped down to his board shorts. He looked so wonderful, and normal. Then he took my hand.

He must have been reading my thoughts or something, because rather than heading over to the deep end, where Claire and Tom had gone, he led me over to the stairs at the shallow end of the pool. There we eased into the water, one step at a time, getting accustomed to what was not actually a very warm pool at all.

'Claire, I thought you said the water was warm?'

'Did I? No, I think what I said was that it wasn't too bad,' she laughed, as Tom grabbed her around the waist and threw her up out of the water.

We had the best two hours with them. No one else turned up at the pool, so we had it all to ourselves. This was probably a really good thing because as careful as the two men were, every now and then I couldn't help but notice that they didn't cast a shadow. The fact that the sun was directly overhead helped, but if Claire had been paying attention, she might have noticed. But both Sam and Tom spent most of the time either in the water, or sitting under the umbrella at the table. They were obviously experienced at avoiding discovery.

The time pa.s.sed far too quickly as we told stories of stupid things we'd done at swimming parties when we were young-near misses, diving feats (well, some of us had stories of perfect dives, not all of us), sunburn and lost bathers were the main events. We laughed and had the best time. My concerns about my white legs turned out to be a non-event, and it seemed that while Claire was stunningly beautiful, Sam still only had eyes for me. It was the best two hours I'd spent in a long time.

But then Sam said they needed to get moving. They had a flight to catch.

'I'm glad you came. I mean ... it was such a nice surprise,' I said, suddenly feeling all shy again as we said our goodbyes.

'Yeah, I'm glad too,' Sam said, as he reached up and brushed the hair away from my eyes.

'So, I guess I'll see you next week?' I asked, awkwardly.

'Of course. Give me a call when you get home.'

I looked over at Tom and Claire who were saying their goodbyes under a shady tree near the car.

'Do you think Tom will invite Claire to the party?'

'Hmmm ... I don't know. She doesn't know anything, and it would be best if we kept it that way. When she leaves for university she may very well put this little fling behind her. There's no need to involve her too deeply in any of this.'

I thought about what he said for a moment.

'So, when I go back to California, will you put this little fling of ours behind you?' I don't know where the words came from. I felt nearly as shocked by my words as he looked to be.

'Is that what you think this is? A little fling?'

'No. No, I don't think that ... not at all. I was just wondering if you ... well, you know, if ... if you thought this was just something that would be over in a few weeks ...'

The change in him made me regret having opened my mouth. His beautiful blue eyes went black, and the sullen look returned-the one I'd seen when I first met him. I wished I could take it all back.