A Soul Mate's Promise (26 page)

Yvette blows out a breath. “Ooh.. Gracie, I’m not as talented as Grandma was, but, I can sense something is wrong. Around you. Did you get hurt or have you been sick recently?’

“No… well, the night of the benefit I was mugged, but Sal saved me. I didn’t really get hurt…”

She is quiet for a few seconds. “Do you have friends or family with you now that Sal’s away? Or are you alone most of the time?”

“I have some friends around, but I’m mostly alone, why?” I ask.

“I’m not picking up any danger around Sal. I can feel he deeply loves you–he killed that man who attacked you, didn’t he?”

“Yes! I shout. Celine’s mouth flies open in surprise and playfully slaps my leg.

“Okay, so he’s not a danger to you anymore… But something is…hmmm… I am sensing something, but it’s foggy like if I was under water–it’s just not very clear. I just feel I need to tell you to be careful while you’re alone. Try to surround yourself with friends. And, you might feel better if you do. Take care of yourself Gracie. Right now, I feel that’s very important for you to know.”

Wasn’t that what Maggie said last night?
I look at Celine, then back to the phone. “Can you see Sal at all? Is he safe?

I hear her take a deep breath and blow it out. Then I hear a friendly chuckle.

“I don’t have a crystal ball, Gracie. And honestly, I don’t see danger around Sal – I see it around you. Our futures can always switch lanes. I see you right now at a crossroads. It’s just so scrambled I can’t say for sure what I’m really seeing and I think sometimes your past lives interfere with my ability. That’s what happened when I first tried reading you. I’m sorry I’m not as good as my grandmother was. But I hope I helped you a little.”

“I’m sorry I’m difficult to read,” I say with a little laugh.

“Don’t be sorry!” she says, sounding like she’s smiling. “You have a very old and strong soul–you’ve had many lives–it shows me too much at once and that makes it hard for me to tune into.”

“Okay, I can understand that,” I say, surprised that it does make some sense.

“I have learned a lot from my grandmother,” Yvette confides, “I can tell you souls don’t die, even if there is a suicide–it always comes back to learn something, realizing that wasn’t the answer. Gracie, I can feel you are sensing a danger coming. Be careful, as I said. Use your ability of strong intuition to help you.”

“Okay, I will try to stay alert and be positive about Sal. I do have one question I wanted to ask Amina, but maybe you can answer it. Sal
is
my soul mate, I have no doubts. But, why didn’t we meet earlier?”

“Destiny,” she blurts. “Destiny helps us out.” Maybe it knew your chances were better at this point in both your lives.”

Celine and I both look up at each other. Celine mouths, “WOW.” I shrug and nod my head.

“Okay, Yvette,” I say, “I will take all this in–thank you. I think Amina would be proud. How can I pay you for your time?”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. Grandma gave you my private number for a reason–it’s my gift to you. I hope it helped.
Please
take care of yourself, I can’t stress that enough. Oh - watch what you eat or drink - and get rest. Maybe we’ll chat again soon!”

“Thank you so much Yvette! I so appreciate your time. You did help. Bye, and take care.”

“Bye, Gracie. God bless.”

I tap the
end
button on my phone and put it down between Celine and me. “Well, that was interesting,” I murmur.

Celine tilts her head at me., “You’re not feeling any better, I can see it.”

“She can’t read me, so, yeah.. not so much.” I sigh.

“Well, she’s got a point – you knew she didn’t have a crystal ball. But I do like what she said to you about taking care of yourself and paying attention to your gut feelings.”

“Celine, my
gut
is telling me Sal’s gonna get killed! If she saw that she wasn’t going to tell me!” I shout in frustration. Damn it, why did the one person who could help me have to die, just weeks ago?

“Actually, she said she didn’t see danger around Sal. She wasn’t so sure about you, though. Maybe you’re confused about what your intuition is saying to you? I think it’s also a positive that destiny has stepped in. The answer she gave you about why you and Sal met now instead of years ago. That sounds like there’s a damn good possibility the ending will be different this time.”

“I don’t know,” I say, tossing up my hands. “If I met Sal instead of Richard, maybe Sal wouldn’t have gone on this job– maybe I could have prevented it–what if our destiny just keeps repeating itself?”

Celine smiles wickedly, waving her empty coffee mug in the air. “What if, destiny made you marry Richard who brought you here, to meet Antonio, which led you to Sal. Like she said, it knew your chances were better now. When Sal was younger, he was full- blown military, right? It would have never worked out. It makes perfect sense to me Gracie!”

“Okay, I chuckle, you have a point,” I admit, feeling just a bit lighter. “He was everywhere and he did survive being a prisoner in Bosnia. But my intuition is still telling me something terrible is going to happen. Do you think I’m just confused”?

“Baby girl,” Celine says with a motherly tone. “I think you’re in love, and you’re missing your man, and it’s making you very sad and a bit crazy. Maybe your mind is playing tricks on you.”

“I hope so, Celine, I just don’t know anymore. I just feel it–everyday it gets stronger.”

Celine takes my hand in hers and looks me in the eyes. “You can choose to mourn something that probably will not happen, or you can be very careful, take good care of yourself, and go on with your plans for a lovely wedding and a happily-ever-after life. It’s up to you, baby.”

Celine leaves a few hours later, after we eat a light supper of salmon and salad. As I watch her pull away, the emptiness in my chest feels deeper. I return inside the house and look around. The cold lonely silence of the mansion is back as though it’s mocking me. But this time around it’s worse.

Now that Sal’s gone the loneliness feels colder and darker.

CHAPTER 26

The tears have slowed down some. Not enough sleep and still no appetite I decide to go with Sal’s method and stay away from the pills. But, I’m not sleeping more than a few hours at a time and the constant sense that tragedy is just around the corner is wearing me down.

Two days after Celine left, I call Veronica and tell her I’ll be coming back to work–if I still have a job, that is. She laughs and tells me my job is not at risk.

On one particular day I get to work at the animal clinic ten minutes late. Veronica is standing right by the door as Toby and I blaze through it. I’m almost breathless.

“AH, you made it!” Veronica chimes. “I was getting worried.”

“I’m sorry. My head is just not where it should be, I guess. I was in deep thought and drove right past the office,” I confess with some embarrassment. “By the time I realized what I did, I was a good five minutes up the road. I had to turn around.”

“We’ve got a full morning, Gracie,” Veronica says, eyeing me with concern. “Are you here now? All of you? I mean mind and body?”

I give her scrunched up eyebrows and a salute. “Yes, I’m all here.”

“Good!” she says. “Because the past couple of weeks you have been an absolute freak show. You’re physically here, but mentally you’re far away. I kind of miss you.”

I sigh, knowing she’s right. If I were the boss, I’d have fired me by now. I give her a little smile. “I’m so sorry. I just have a lot on my mind.”

“Yeah, no doubt. With Sal away I’m sure you’re missing him and I know it’s making you nervous that you can’t talk with him or know where he is.” Veronica ushered them inside the office.

“Just be thankful this is the last one, I don’t think you’d be able to handle it if he wasn’t retired from this line of work. And to top it off, planning a wedding without him,” she shakes her head. “It’s a lot, but you need to relax sweetie–you don’t look good.”

I nod my head. She’s right and I know it, but I just don’t seem to have what it takes to overcome the dread that accompanies me day and night. It’s not just that I miss Sal so much, there is something else going on, but I don’t understand it. Even my visits with Dr. Brooks give me little relief.

I battle to stay focused on each case and maybe for the first time in weeks, Veronica thanks me for my help.

On my lunch break I go out on the front porch of the clinic and gag down a half a yogurt while I’m mindlessly gazing into the ocean. The sun reflects off of the water and shimmers across the surface like gems. The cool ocean breeze whips around but I don’t feel it.

“Gracie?” Veronica calls. “Oh, there you are. I thought maybe we’d eat our lunch together and I couldn’t find you. It’s freezing out here–how can you stand it!” She wraps her arms around herself to keep from shivering.

“Huh? Oh, I’m fine,” I tell her. I hold up my yogurt cup. “I just had my lunch, but thanks for the thought.”

Veronica stands there for a minute, then goes inside. When she returns, she’s got a blanket and drapes it over me. Taking the chair next to me, she puts her hand on me.

“Gracie, is there something wrong? Did I do something to offend you? Or maybe you don’t like your job anymore?”

“Oh, no–no… I love it here!” I assure her. “And you’re a
wonderful
boss. I’m so sorry I’ve been acting so crazy. I’m not sleeping well because I don’t want to keep taking pills, so that’s most of it, I guess. I’ll get through it.”

“Is there something you need to talk to me about? I can listen, maybe help?”

I toss Veronica a little smile and consider telling her the whole maddening story, but decide not to. “Mostly, I’m just scared all the time. I keep getting the feeling something bad is going to happen to Sal, you know, like intuition.”

Veronica nods and pats my hand. “I suppose that’s normal. Police wives and firemen’s wives feel like this most of the time. I Imagine you’re feeling what a military wife or girlfriend would feel. But, at least he’s not gone off to war and fighting on enemy grounds Hell, for all you know he might still be in this country doing what needs to be done. It’s the not knowing that’s killing you. You need to think positive, Gracie. Sal will be home before you know it, I’m sure.”

“I hope so Veronica. Thanks for understanding.”

“Well, it’s too damned cold out here for me” she says, getting to her feet. “I think you’d better get inside too. You don’t look good to me. You’re making yourself sick over this. You need to snap out of it. Sal loves you, he’ll come home safe and sound – but what will he do if you’re in the hospital – or worse?”

“That’s what Antonio says, too,” I tell her and smile a brighter smile.

“Come inside, Gracie,” she says, pulling me to my feet. “Just another hour or so, then the surgeries are done and you can go home. Try to relax.”

Two dogs and an old cat later, I clean up, call Toby and we head for home. The only problem is, I don’t want to go home to the cold, dark mansion.  Maybe I’ll go see Antonio, but then again, I think that every day and never do.

When Toby and I get home, I feed him and curl up on the couch. I glance at the mail–there’s nothing too important and I toss it on the coffee table.

I think about my conversation with Veronica, wondering what she would say if she knew the whole story. But then Dr. Brooks and Celine know the whole story and keep telling me I’m worrying for nothing.

I wish I could figure out how to do that.

*       *       *

Camille James was happy today. The bank accounts had been back on track for a while and Richard was headed out of town in a few days for a business trip.

As soon as he left she would make a final transfer of money into her secret Cayman bank account. Pack her bags. Grab her mom out of the mental home and fly them to the penthouse condo that she put a deposit on.

She couldn’t wait to get out of this town that had branded her with a crappy reputation–and start over new and fresh. Before she would leave though, there was someone she needed to pay a special visit to.

*       *       *

January turned into February and my days and nights melded into each other.

It’s almost two months since Sal left. Every morning I wake up nauseous with fear. I battle day to day to eat, to sleep, to keep going to work. I know it’s important. I know it’s what Sal wants. But the dread is winning. I thank God for Toby who keeps me moving.

Celine sends me a text that she’s stopping by. I don’t answer it. I stay in bed till I hear her knock on the door.

“Ho-ly Shit!” Celine says, giving me a look of disdain. I move aside allowing her to enter the house. I shut the door and she just stands there staring at me.

“Gracie you look like shit! Jesus have mercy, you look like something on one of those zombie shows! Oh, no, no, no…I’m taking you to the hospital. This ain’t right.” She waves a hand at me. “You’re not well!”

“Celine, please,” I huff. “I am not going to a hospital. I’ll be fine.”

“You don’t look fine, Gracie! Have you looked at yourself in a mirror lately? What happened to those warnings about taking care of yourself? About being aware of what’s going on?”

I walk away from her to make myself a cup of tea. “I don’t need this right now, Celine. My nerves are shot. But I feel it… it’s closer now. Something terrible is coming and I don’t think I can stop it!”

“Gracie, you need to calm down,” Celine scolded. “Look what you’ve done to yourself! Have you seen Antonio? Has he seen what you look like?”

”I wave to him from a distance and at night when I can’t sleep, I see him out on his deck. I know he’s keeping an eye on me. But being with Tony is too painful a reminder that Sal is gone.”

“Have you been anywhere, recently?”

“I’ve been to work!” I snap. “And, I’ve seen Dr. Brooks. I went to the store for dog food…”

She slashes the air with her hand. “Okay, that’s what–a few hours a week? I came here to take you out. Mimi and some of the girls from SWS want to know how you are. They know Sal is away on duty– they thought maybe a girl’s night out would cheer you up!”

I sigh. “All the girls know Sal’s away?”

“The whole
town
knows it, baby. Everyone is truly concerned about you. Come out with us for a little bit, get some air, walk among the living!”

“I can’t, Celine,” I really want to, but just not up to it yet.. “I just can’t. I’m grateful for your friendship, but please, I need to be alone.”

“Remember what the psychic said”. She points one of her red fingernails at me. “She told you not to be alone and to take care of yourself. Not join the zombie apocalypse!” I actually laugh at her remark.

“I know, I know…just give me some time.”

“It’s been two months, Gracie. And by the looks of you, you are out of time. But fine,” she hissed, her eyes boring into me. “I’m telling you now, baby girl, I’m giving you a week. If I don’t like what I see, I’m getting Antonio and we are taking your crazy ass to the hospital! I don’t care if I have to Baker Act you to do it. We clear?”

              I sarcastically salute her, walk her to the door, and watch her drive away.

I sit and drink my tea. Toby comes and puts his big head on my lap. He snuggles up with me while I watch the T.V. which is nonstop coverage about the nasty winter weather headed our way for the next few days.

A little while later, I feed Toby and go outside with him in the yard. Antonio comes out and waves.

“Hello, caro, How are you doing?” he calls from his deck.

“I’m doing a little better, Pops,” I lie. “Don’t worry about me. How about you?”

He looks at me and I see the shock in his eyes. “I miss you caro.” He says.”

I nod and blow him a kiss. I call after Toby and retreat back inside. Glancing back over at Pop, I see him swipe a hand across his eyes.

I get into bed but I don’t have any tears left. I don’t have anything left. Slowly but surely the tiny pill eases my raw nerves and I wander off to sleep.

*       *       *

“Nice work, Agent Petroni. The team is in place and targets are locked.”

“Good”, Sal said, nodding his head once at Carl. I’ll wait for their return back at the embassy and suit up. I’m going in with them.”

“No you won’t, Sal.” Carl said flatly. “End of the line for you, agent. You were called in for consulting only. Your work is done here. The team will get the job done just fine, thanks to you.”

“Sir, they are on my strategic plans. I should be helping the new commander!” Sal countered.

“Agent Petroni,” Carl shouted, putting a hand up. “Sal,” he said in a calmer voice. “Your duties to your country went far beyond any man’s expectations. You’ve been through too much. You were an exceptional soldier and one of the best agent’s I’ve known. The service is in your debt. I called you in for help on this case for your expertise. As usual, you did not let us down.”

“Thank you, Carl, I appreciate that. But, I feel I need to see this through—”

“Agent!” Carl cut him off. “I’ve known you most of my life. I know how you work–you’re not all here–you’re distracted now. Your eyes used to be cold, emotionless, fearless; you’ve changed. You have something to live for now.”

A small smile spread across Sal’s mouth. Carl was right, Sal had been distracted and he wasn’t going to risk his life again. Gracie was home waiting for him, convinced something was going to end his life and it petrified her. He wouldn’t do this to her–to them.

He nodded at his supervisor. “You’re right, Carl. I have to go home–it’s wear my heart is. I made her a promise.”

“I’m happy for you, Sal.” Carl smiles back. “You deserve a real life. Go home, get married, live your life–you more than earned it.”

*       *       *

Within a few hours he was on a jet headed back to the states. The entire flight, his thoughts were about Gracie and how happy she’d be when he got home.

The whole time he was away, he couldn’t shake the haunting image of how sad and terrified she looked the day he left. Even her brave face had frightened him. It was killing him to be away from her at all, let alone for months.

He glanced at the time on his watch. It would be over twenty-four hours by the time he touched down in D.C. and another twenty-four for debriefing. Then he’d call her.

He couldn’t wait to get her in his arms again. He missed her–everything about her. That laugh and smile, her appetite, the way she’d glowed when he proposed; the softness of her skin and how incredibly warm she was deep inside; the desires he saw in her eyes when they made love; every little sound and moan of pleasure. He missed her scent. He missed all of it–all of her.

*       *       *