Chapter 8

Rose and Raven drove down the quiet, desolate street leading into the nearest town. It was still early morning and a thick blanket of fog covered the surrounding area. Deer lined up along side of the road grazing on grass. Rose was silent as she stared out the window. Raven kept glancing at her. He could see the worry etched on her face. He wanted to get her mind off of things. He wanted to wash away the sadness that marred her features. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and keep her safe. Protected. He wanted the chance to love her like she'd never been loved before.

He didn't know much about Rose. But one thing he knew for certain, was that she had missed out on a lot as a child. Hers was not a happy life. Her life was marked with tragedy and heartbreak. He wanted to show her that life didn't always have to be like that.

“Tell me about your childhood Rose. What was your father like? You've never mentioned him.” Raven glared straight ahead, never taking his eyes off the road.

Rose stiffened at his question. “I don't usually talk abut my past,” Rose confided. “But for you I'll make an exception.” When she turned to look at him, her eyes glistened with a deep, dark sadness.

“My mother and father were married for several years. I don't remember much about their relationship. All I remember is that something terrible happened to them to pull them apart. I'm not sure what it was. But after that, my mother was never the same again. My father couldn't deal with it.”

“So he left,” Raven stated.

“He didn't just leave my mother. He left me to. He never came back to see me. Not even once.” There was the sound of bitterness in her voice. “How can a parent just abandon their children like that. I often wondered if he ever thought about me.”

“Do you hate him?” Raven asked.

Rose thought about the question. “No,” she answered honestly. “I just don't understand is all. I've forgiven him, on the most part. I wonder what he would think if I were jut to suddenly appear in his life again. Would he welcome me? Would he shun me and turn his back on me?”

“There's only one way to find out,” Raven said. “I could help you find him if you'd like.”

Rose's eyes shot up to Raven's. She could see the sincerity in his eyes. For a moment he heart beat with gladness. The hope of one day seeing her father and putting that part of her life to rest once and for all seemed to be a good prospect. But then she really thought about it and it didn't seem plausible at all. She'd only get her hopes up to be let down.

She didn't really know her father. She only vaguely remembered him. She'd been so young when he'd walked out on her and her mother. For so long she had felt an emptiness. A longing to have him back. To share intimate moments with him that she would cherish for a lifetime. But they had been worlds apart. And having had to take care of her mother all those years had put a strain on her. Her life had been far more difficult than it should have been. She'd been forced to grow up before her time. She'd been burdened with a huge responsibility.

There were times when Rose had felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. There were times when she'd lay in bed at night and wonder what her future held for her. It had seemed bleak and hopeless. She'd been angry at first. But her anger had slowly deteriorated, to be replaced by something else. Love.

Despite the things her mother had done and the things her mother had put her through, Rose loved her mother unconditionally. In reality, her mother was all she had. That's all she had ever allowed herself to have. Believing that she could ever have more was never a remote possibility.

She had learned early in life never to count on anyone. She hadn't wanted to love anyone because it left open the possibility that one day, someone would hurt her, just as her father had. That was a pain she never wanted to endure again.

But these feeling for Raven, she couldn't explain them. And they scared her. She found herself attracted to the man. He was strong, and good looking. Though he seemed angry most of the time, and detached from those things going on around him, he was genuinely a caring, thoughtful man.

Rose could tell that there was a growing attraction between them, that it was not one-sided. She had wondered over the course of the last few days if she were willing to put her guard down and allow herself to feel something for this man.

In essence, Raven was her rescuer. Her hero. When she looked at him, she couldn't help but grow to love him. Some how, some way, he had given her something she'd never had with anyone before. He had given her peace, and a sense of security. A sense of permanence.

In all her life she'd never known what it was like to count on anyone but herself. She'd been too afraid of being let down, being disappointed and hurt and abandoned. But with Raven, she felt he'd never forsake her. That he'd be true to her and forever stand beside her to the bitter end.

The connection between them was strong. There was no doubt about it. She felt herself growing warm with thoughts of him. Finally she turned to him. At first she just stared at him. His profile was angular, with a chin that jutted out with a hint of arrogance. His cheek bones were sleek and smooth. And his eyes. When they looked at her, it was as if she could see into his soul and see his pain, his torment. He seemed hungry for love.

Were they destined to be together, forever?

Rose had never taken the time to think about that before with the other men she had dated. Forever had never been a part of the picture. But with Raven, she found herself wishing for a chance for a lifetime of happiness with him. For once she wanted something that would last forever.

She wanted what millions of people out there in the world wanted. She wanted love. She wanted a family. Was it too much to hope for?

“What are you thinking?” Raven asked.

Rose shrugged. Her cheeks turned red. She felt the warmth and strength of his presence. “I was thinking about you, Raven. About us.”

He didn't say anything at first. She saw a muscle in his jaw tighten. Then he spoke. “What were you thinking?”

For a moment Rose was silent as she thought about what she wanted to say. She prayed for the right words. “I know you're a man of solitude, Raven. And I know you're apposed to a relationship, just as I once was. But I don't feel that way anymore.”

“What do you mean?” Raven questioned.

“What I'm saying, is that for the first time in my life, I feel something. I have this longing, this yearning to be with you. To experience life to the fullest with you by my side. I sense that you feel the same way.”

Raven's grip tightened on the steering wheel as they drove along. The road stretched out in front of them. The sun was beginning to come up. The fog was still thick in some patches.

“We're two strong and independent people, Rose. Both of our lives have been marked with tragedy. I'm not sure that either one of us is capable of a committed relationship.”

“Are you attracted to me?” Rose asked. Her heart suddenly stopped beating as she waited for his answer.

“Yes Rose, but that has nothing to do with it?”

“Then what is it?”

His eyes boldly grazed over her, admiring the curly hair around her perfectly round face. He had a hard time pulling his eyes away from her. A feeling of yearning so deep pervaded his system.

“I don't want to hurt you Rose. And I'd be afraid of doing just that. And . . . ”

“And what?” Rose said between clenched teeth. Suddenly the tension in the truck mounted to unbearable levels.

“I'm afraid that you would hurt me. I've had to pick up the pieces of my broken heart once. I said I'd never do that again.”

“So you don't think I'm worth the risk?”

It seemed interminably long before Raven answered. “I'm not sure what I think, Rose. I'm confused. Yes, I'm attracted to you. I'd love nothing more than to kiss you, to touch you and smell your hair. But I know how you are with men. That scares me.”

Rose didn't say anything. She just stared out the window watching the passing scenery. They'd driven a few miles when finally she spoke again.

“Sometimes people change,” she said at last.

“Yes, sometimes they do. But maybe I haven't,” Raven acknowledge with a cold heart. “I don't have much trust or faith in women, Rose. You're beautiful. You're tough. But some where deep inside. . . “ Raven's voice fell off. A sadness replaced the look on his face. His eyes gleamed with an indescribable sorrow. An ache so chilling crept through him all the way to the center of his being.

“You don't think I'm capable of being committed to a long-term relationship. Is that it. You think I'd get bored and move on to someone else.”

This conversation was tough. Raven felt himself growing angry, agitated, frustrated and more in love with this woman than he'd ever been in love with anyone. It felt hopeless and dangerous.

“Let's talk about something else,” he said sharply. “This conversation is pointless.”

“So you think I'm pointless?” Rose asked crisply, irritation showing in the sudden lift of her shoulders and straightening of your back.

“I didn't say that Rose.”

“But that's what you're thinking.”

He was fueled by anger and resentment. “You're putting words into my mouth. That's not what I'm thinking. I'm being cautious, is all.”

“You mean safe,” Rose snapped belligerently.

This conversation was quickly growing out of control. “Fine, if that's what you want to think. I'm just not a man who can have a casual relationship and walk away from it when it's over. That's all I'm saying.”

Rose didn't say anymore. They drove in silence until they got into town and parked in front of the first flower shop they came to. Raven walked around the truck to help Rose out. But she was so full of anger, that she helped herself out, slammed the floor and brushed past Raven so quickly all he could do was stare at her retreating backside.

The shop hadn't opened yet and they still had about a half hour to wait. The friction between them could start a fire. Rose was impatient. Waiting was never a strong point with her, especially when she was furious just as she was right now. She started pacing up and down the small sidewalk in front of the quaint wood structured building. The sun was bursting from the clouds that scattered across the sky. The fog was beginning the thin in some spots.

She wanted to be as far a way from Raven as she could get. She had been a fool to open up to him. She should have stayed quiet. She'd made herself vulnerable. Now she regretted allowing her feelings to be known. What hurt the most is that Raven didn't think much of her. And she understood why. She'd been too open about her relationships. Not just with men, but with people in general.

In a way, she'd been too honest. Maybe she should have kept some things to herself. Well it was too late to think about that now. Rose was who she was, and if Raven didn't like her the way she was, there was nothing she could about that but move on and accept things the way there were.

As Rose turned to walk back toward Raven, she saw something off in the distance. She squinted her eyes. There was a movement, a few feet ahead of her. She watched as the young girl danced in the mist of the fog. Her hair blew in the wind. She was smiling and laughing. She twirled around with her arms held out to her sides. The skirt of her dress flared out as she spun around.

The girl seemed animated. The sound of her laughter echoed around them. Rose watched her intently for several minutes. Raven inspected Rose and wondered what it was that she was. He looked in the general direction. But he didn't see anything. He didn't hear anything. As he watched, Rose stepped off the sidewalk and started walking toward a cluster of small buildings.

The girl stopped dancing. She peered at Rose as she crossed the silent, empty street. Her laughter died and was carried off in the wind. Raven followed silently behind Rose.

The girl quickly turned and darted off. Peels of laughter rang out. She was playing a game. She wanted Rose to chase her. Rose took off at a quick pace to go after the girl. She rounded the corner of a small crafts store. And just as she did, she saw the girl turn a corner just up ahead.

Rose picked up her pace. Raven was following quickly behind her.

They made a few more twists and turns. And suddenly, as the rounded the last building, there was a clearing. For miles and miles there were head stones, and marble crosses, and bright and colorful flowers spread in a panoramic view. The area was beautiful and serene.

Rose watched as the young girl seemed to drift between the headstones. She turned to Rose and smiled. She waved her hand and motioned Rose to follow her. Rose did so without fear, but with extreme curiosity.

“Come, follow me,” the girl commanded.

“Who are you?” Rose asked.

The girl laughed playfully. Her voice was sweet and melodic. She began to sing a song. Rose tried to remember where she'd heard it before. And she remembered. Her mother used to sign it to her as a small child. At night, when she'd be putting her to bed.

“You'll find out soon,” the girl instructed. “Be patient. And you will know everything you need to know.”

Rose moved forward cautiously. Raven was a safe distance away, but close enough that he could protect Rose if he needed to.

The girl stopped walking for a moment and allowed Rose to gain some distance. The girl's face grew serious and her eyes shone with the dullness of sadness. “You must be careful, Rose.” The girl warned. “Once you know the truth, people will want to hurt you.”

“Why?”

“There are terrible, secrets Rose. Secrets that people will kill for to keep them hidden.”

Rose stopped walking and stood face to face with the girl. Raven couldn't see anything. He just stood listening to Rose as she had this conversation with an invisible spirit.

“How do you know my name?”

“You will soon find out,” the girl whispered. “It will all come to you and make sense,” she said. “I want you to make a promise,” the girl stated quietly. “Can you do that for me?”

“But I don't know you,” Rose replied solemnly.

“You will,” the girl answered sweetly. “When you discover, for yourself, who I really am, you have to promise me one thing.”

“What is that?”

“That you will do whatever you have to, to expose my killer. Then, and only then can I be set free.”

Confused, Rose wrinkled her nose. “What exactly do you mean?”

The girl looked down at a gravestone that seemed old and dirty. Dried mud was caked on it inches thick. It was as if no one had ever visited this grave. It seemed lonely and foreboding.

“This is where my body lies,” the girl informed Rose. “But my spirit drifts aimlessly, searching for the truth. Until the truth is revealed, I cannot move on to the other world.”

“What other world?” Rose asked.

“Heaven,” the girl replied. “I hear it is a lovely place. I hear it is peaceful and glorious. I will beautiful once again. The scars will be gone. And my limp will disappear. I'll be made new again.”

The girl could see Rose's skepticism. “I see you aren't a believer.”

“No, I'm not.”

Raven stood back, wondering how long he should allow this to continue.

The girl continued to speak. “You must open your heart Rose. You are a lost soul also. You are lacking the most important thing in life.”

“What is that?” Rose asked. “What am I missing?”

“Salvation.”

Rose thought amount about that one simple word. What did it mean? “Why do I need salvation?”

The girl's eyes flickered over Rose's face absorbing every feature. Then she said joyfully, with a bright smile beaming across her face, “So that one day we'll be together again.”

The girl didn't give Rose a chance to say anything. “This is the last time we'll see each other. Please,” the girl begged, “find the truth. Help me Rose. You're the only who can. Good bye,” she whispered as a tear rolled down her face. “And remember the things I've said to you. I speak the truth.”

Then like that the girl vanished. Rose fell to her knees in the hard ground. She wept for only a moment. Before she knew it, Raven was standing behind her. She could feel his warmth and smell his sweet cologne. She stared at the grave marker in front of her. She couldn't make out what was engraved on it because of the thick mud. It seemed as if it had never been cleaned since it had been put there.

Quickly Rose started peeling of the thick clumps of dirt. Slowly, little by little, chips of the dirt fell away. At last Rose ran her hand over the hard surface clearing away the last of the dust and dirt. She knelt in front of the marble slab staring down at the words inscribed in the stone.

“Iris McKenna. May She Rest in Peace. God Bless Her Soul.” And it gave the date she was born and the day of her death. Rose remembered back in time to bleak period in her life. It was when her father walked out on them. She was only two. Iris. This girl that she'd just spoken to, that was her sister. A sister she never knew she had. It was her death that had lead to her parent's split up. The pain of their loss had been to unbearable for their marriage to have survived. They hadn't known how to console and comfort one another. So instead they had fought with one another, until divorce was inevitable.

How had Iris died? Why hadn't she remembered her sister? Rose felt she should have at least some vague memories of the girl. They must have played with one another, talked with one another. Sure she was only two when the girl died. But why couldn't she remember having had a sister?

“What is it Rose?” Raven asked, stepping closer and resting his hand on her shoulder. “Who were you talking to?”

She stood and faced him. Tears streamed down her face. “I was talking to my sister.” Then she fell into Raven's arms and she felt them slide around her waist. He tugged closer into his embrace. She laid her cheek against his chest and she held him with a quiet desperation.

“I never knew I had a sister,” she confessed. “I never knew.”

Some how Rose felt incomplete at that moment. So much had changed in just a few short minutes. She felt betrayed by her mother. By her father. She couldn't begin to put to words to the feelings that were churning in the pit of her stomach. But she didn't like them. Not one darn bit. She was suddenly furious. With her mother. Her father. And who ever had done that to her sister.

“She was murdered,” Rose admitted, pulling away from Raven, yet holding onto him as if never to let him go. “She made me promise to find out who did it. She said that's the only way she'll be set free.”

Their eyes locked together. Raven tenderly brushed the tears away. Just the brief, simple touch started a fire raging in his bones. Before he could think, or even stop himself, he was lowering his head.

His lips touched Rose's ever so gently. He waited for her response. Her eyes closed softly. She leaned into him, snaking her hands around his neck. Their lips met again and the kiss deepened this time. Raven was bold and the touch of his lips against Rose seemed to burst into flames.

Rose kissed back with a yearning she had never known before. It felt so good, so right. She never wanted it to end. And just as she thought that, Raven pulled away.

“I'm sorry, Rose, I shouldn't have done that. I was wrong.”

In his eyes Rose could see regret, a simmering anger, and hatred. Suddenly he whirled on her and stomped across the graveyard leaving her standing there feeling numb, confused, and furious.

She ran after him, forgetting everything, even the possibility of impending danger. As she darted across the grass, she heard it. At first it sounded like nothing more than a popping sound. The she heard it again and again. A bullet landed close to her foot. She side-stepped it and hunkered down low to the ground to give herself some much needed protection.

Raven heard the shots. He swore an oath under his breath. He removed his gun at once and aimed in the direction of the gunfire. He saw a body behind a tree. He shot and hit the trunk, making the gunman duck out of the way. The man turned and fled the other direction.

Raven knew he was too far away to catch the man. At least he'd managed to scare him away. He hadn't even been able to wound him. But for now that meant Rose was safe. But what about next time? Would she be so lucky. Obviously someone wanted her death and would stop at nothing to see that happen.

Raven caught up with Rose and cradled her against him as the two of them ran for cover between the buildings. They were breathing heavily, their hearts pounding in their chest when they came to a stop. Rose leaned against the brick wall of one of the buildings. Raven was standing close to her. Too close. She was suppose to be angry at him. But somehow, she couldn't find it in her heart to anything but grateful for him. He'd come to her rescue and saved her from death.

She was thankful for his act of bravery.

She wanted to thank him. But at the moment, she didn't think he'd care to hear it. He was gawking at her strangely. Then before she knew it he was swearing under his breath and dragging her to him for another kiss. His body trembled against hers.