N. Walters: The Seduction of Shamus O'Rourke

"My client is the owner of this property.” Alicia spoke up before Cyndi could summon up enough energy to do so.

"Yes, ma'am.” The officer stepped back. “The sheriff and Fire Marshal said it was okay for Ms. Marks to go inside as long as she stayed away from the back part of the house. The upstairs is fine. They figured Ms. Marks might want to get some of her clothing and belongings, but she can't stay here until after the investigation is complete."

"How long will that take?” Cyndi followed the officer up the path to the house.

"Hopefully, only a day or two. But it's gonna take a while to repair the damage to the kitchen.” He opened the door and ushered her inside, calling over his shoulder. “You have to wait outside, ma'am."

Cyndi realized that Alicia was behind them. “You don't have to wait. I'm going to pack a few things and go check into the Jamesville Motel.” It wasn't as if there was much choice on where to stay in Jamesville.

"You're sure? I can wait and drive you."

Cyndi summoned a smile for the other woman. “I'm sure. I'll need my car and you've already done enough. Thank you."

Alicia appeared concerned, but resigned. “It's no problem. Promise me you'll call if you need anything."

"Promise."

Alicia nodded and started back to her car as Cyndi walked inside her house. The acrid smell of smoke filled her lungs, reminding her of the terror of last night. Ignoring it as best she could, she made her way up the stairs and into her bedroom. The bedcovers were in a heap from their mad scramble of the night before.

The deputy shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. “I'll just wait here and carry down your luggage."

"Thank you.” Cyndi appreciated his offer. She wasn't sure she had strength enough to do it herself at the moment. Her head was pounding, and her arm was starting to ache as the pain medication they'd given her at the hospital began to wear off. She looked away from the bed and went to the closet, pulling out her suitcase. It didn't take her long to fill it. Thankfully, her bedroom was on the opposite end of the house from the kitchen and her clothing didn't seem to smell of smoke.

She went into the bathroom and gathered her toiletries, her eyes filling as she spied Shamus's razor and toothbrush on the counter. Swiping the tears from her eyes, she hurried back to the bedroom and tossed her belongings inside. She only needed enough for a couple of days. She'd buy anything she missed. Zipping the case closed, she motioned to the deputy.

"That all?"

She nodded, but at the last second, detoured by the bed and grabbed Shamus's pillow, tucking it under her arm. The deputy carried her suitcase down the stairs and out of the house. She followed close behind him. He loaded her luggage into her trunk, slamming it shut.

"You're headed for the Jamesville Motel?” he asked as he ambled up to stand beside her.

"Yes.” She carefully lowered herself into the driver's seat.

"I'll tell the sheriff.” He kept one hand on the door.

"You do that.” She started the car, ignoring the fact that the car door was still wide open. “Thank you again for your help."

Taking the hint, the deputy shut the door and watched her drive away. Cyndi kept all her concentration on the road as she made the short trip to the Jamesville Motel.

She dragged her luggage into the motel behind her, ignoring the various aches and pains in her body. It didn't take her long to check in and within minutes, she was ensconced inside a room. It wasn't the most inspiring place in the world. The decor hadn't changed since the seventies, but it was clean and functional.

Shutting the door, she slung her purse onto the bed and eased her tired body down beside it. She dug out her cell phone and called the hospital. It took awhile, but someone finally told her that the patient was stable and that visiting was still strictly for family only. Hanging up, she struggled to keep her anger and despair at bay.

Knowing there was another call she had to make, she dialed the familiar number. It was answered on the third ring. “Hello?"

"Morning, Aunt Verna."

"Cyndi. I was just thinking about you."

The love and caring in the older woman's voice was too much for her. Cyndi burst into tears. Between sobs, she poured out the entire story from start to finish. Verna listened and when Cyndi was done, she took action. “I'll be there by this evening."

Cyndi sniffed, swiping at her face with her hands. Her eyes were swollen and she had a splitting headache. “There's really nothing you can do."

"I can be with you."

"Thank you.” She gave a tearful laugh. “I can always depend on you."

And don't you forget it.” Her voice softened. “Once Shamus regains consciousness, he'll ask for you. Don't worry."

"I'm not,” she lied because, truthfully, she was worried. Maybe this would be too much for him to handle and she truly wouldn't blame him if it was. But deep inside, she prayed her aunt was right.

"See you soon,” her aunt promised.

When the call ended, Cyndi tossed her phone aside. She needed a bath desperately, but she was so tired. Promising herself she'd just close her eyes for a second, she stretched out on the mattress, grabbed Shamus's pillow and cuddled into it.

His heady, masculine scent was still there and she snuggled tighter as tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. The last thing she remembered was telling herself she needed to get up.

Cyndi ! Shamus came awake in a rush and groaned as pain rocketed through his left shoulder and down his arm. A soft, soothing voice urged him to relax and take a deep breath.

"Cyndi?” he gasped, prying his eyes open.

"No.” His sister's voice was gentle as she helped him lie back down. “You were shot and had surgery. The doctor removed the bullet, and you're going to be fine. You can go home with us in a few days if there are no complications."

Shamus frowned. “Where's Cyndi?"

"I don't know."

"What do you mean, you don't know?” Memories of last night flooded back at him. “She's in danger and no one knows where the hell she is?"

Dani flinched at the loud tone of his voice, but continued to tuck the covers around him. “She wasn't my concern last night. You were.” Thinking for a moment, she added, “I'm sure she's fine."

A soft knock came on the door and a nurse poked her head inside the room. He recognized her as Arthur and Silas Johnson's sister. He'd forgotten that she was a nurse.

Shamus took a deep breath, momentarily ignoring the other woman. It helped ease the pain and calm his temper as he addressed his sister. “I understand. But surely Patrick didn't just let her leave."

"If you're talking about Cyndi, she left when no one was paying any attention.” The nurse pushed the door open and stepped into the room. “Right after the doctor spoke to the family and informed them that only family could see you.” She glanced at Dani and back at Shamus. “She was very worried about you though. Even when she was being treated herself, she kept asking about you."

"Cyndi was hurt?” Shamus struggled to sit up again. Sweat broke out on his brow.

The nurse came over and adjusted the bed, enabling him to semi-sit. “Apparently a bullet grazed her arm. One of the paramedics was worried about her when she practically collapsed. When we checked her out, we realized that she'd been wounded. The doctor took care of it and it wasn't serious enough to admit her.” She glanced over at Dani again. “She really needed someone to stay with her, but she said there was no one she could call."

"But she's okay.” Worry burned in his gut like acid. While he was flat on his back in hospital, Cyndi was out there all alone.