Desperate (Harris Trilogy Book One) (35 page)

“People say he wears the mask because he has a terrible scar.”
Dana wondered if that were true. It too could be something someone made up to make him seem that much more mysterious.

Her tone calm, Elizabeth stated,
“Scar or not, I felt nothing could harm me while in his care.” 

“I’m thankful he rescued you, Elizabeth.  We have been worried sick.  At least you are home.”

She closed her eyes and tears streamed over her gorgeous cheeks. Dana wished she knew how to help her. The only thing that came to mind was to hold her while she wept.

****

“Come in, Jacob. Thank you for coming so hastily.”

Dr. Jacob Greene shook his long time friend, Malcolm Williams’ hand. “I came the instant I got your message.”

Leading Jacob to his study, Malcolm motioned him to take a seat on the sofa.
Obviously nervous, Malcolm began to pace. Jacob crossed his long legs, leaned back, and waited for him to explain the reason he had been summoned. 

“As you know my daughter, Elizabeth,
has been missing for over a week. Thank God she was returned to us last night by The Shadow. Wally Milford held her captive for those terrifying days. I don’t have to tell you all the atrocities she suffered while being held against her will by the old pervert.” Malcolm moved to the liquor cabinet, and poured himself a generous amount of whiskey into a glass. He lifted the glass to his lips and drained its contents. His face full of anger, he threw the glass against the wall, shattering it into tiny pieces. 

Jacob stood and placed his hand on Malcolm’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Malcolm. How can I be of service?”

Temper still simmering in his eyes, Malcolm explained, “I know I can trust you to examine Elizabeth to make sure she did not suffer permanent damage from the many rapes. I also ask your discretion in keeping this matter a secret. If word got out she had been raped, I fear it would do reconcilable damage to her reputation.” 

Without speaking, Jacob watched as Malcolm took another glass from the liquor cabinet and filled it to the rim with whiskey. He plopped down into the oversized leather chair. 

“We have contacted the authorities and informed them we paid a ransom to have Elizabeth returned home and she was not harmed. She is confident The Shadow will handle any punishment dealt to Milford. I see no reason to involve the authorities who would ask too many questions. First and foremost is Elizabeth’s welfare.” Malcolm looked as if he would break down and cry at any moment because of the pain his daughter had endured. She was his only child and he adored her. Jacob could imagine the anguish his friend was feeling.

“Of course you can trust me to be discreet
. I wouldn’t dream of ruining your daughter’s reputation.”

Malcolm led Jacob upstairs to Elizabeth
’s bedroom and knocked on her door. “Come in.” 

Entering
first, Malcolm stated, “Elizabeth, you know Dr. Jacob Greene.”

She wasn’t alone.
Dana Harris, David Harris’ baby, sister sat on the bed beside Elizabeth, holding her hands. When Jacob met Dana’s eyes, he saw the love and devotion she felt for Elizabeth. The two must be very close friends. 

It wasn’t easy
to focus on Elizabeth with Dana in the room. Abundant curves, thick, luxurious auburn hair, the Harris blue eyes, she was magnificent.

“Yes, it’s nice to see you again, Dr. Greene.”

Jacob peered at Elizabeth. Her
eyes were swollen from crying. Her voice sounded tender as she tried to be polite. “Please call me, Jacob.” 

Before he could stop himself, his eyes drifted back to Dana. The last time he saw her she was still in pigtails. Not at all intimidated by his rude behavior, she lifted her chin and gave him a bold look. Seconds ticked by as they stared at one another.

Malcolm cleared his throat and asked, “Do you know Dana Harris?” 

Jacob nodded his head.
“Yes, I know her family, but I have never had the honor of being formally introduced.” 

She scooted to the edge of the bed and dropped her feet over the side. “Nice to meet you.” Instead of offering her hand, she replied, “I’ll be down
stairs.”    

“Please don’t leave me
, Dana.”  Elizabeth grabbed Dana’s hand halting her from leaving.  Her voice filled with anguish, she pleaded, “I’m frightened and I need you to stay with me.” 

“Miss Williams
, I promise not to hurt you.” Jacob frowned, then said hesitantly, “You are safe with me. Maybe you would rather your mother be present. Shall we send someone to bring her to your room?” 

“Martha
was so upset she had to be sedated and is sleeping soundly for the first time in days. I doubt we could rouse her if we tried,” Malcolm offered as he laid his hand on his daughter’s arm, and sat on the edge of the bed. “Would you feel comfortable if I asked Mabel to stay with you during the examination?” 

Mabel the downstairs maid had worked for them for thirty years. Jacob knew she was like part of the family.

“No, Father. I want Dana to stay with me.” 

“I don’t think it will be very proper for Miss Harris to be
present for your examination. I think we should ask someone older.” Jacob tried to be firm.

Gripping Dana’s hands tighter,
Elizabeth was getting hysterical. “Either she stays or they’ll be no examination.” Tears streamed down Elizabeth’s pale cheeks and her hands shook.

“I’ll stay
, Elizabeth. Please don’t cry.” Dana wrapped her arm around Elizabeth’s shoulder. “I promise not to leave your side until it’s over.”

Immediately, she began to calm.
“I’m sorry to be such a baby, Dr. Greene. All I can remember is the horrors I have suffered. I think he would have eventually killed me if The Shadow hadn’t rescued me.”   

“You’re home
Elizabeth. That is what is most important. I’ll give you some time to regain your composure. I’ll be downstairs with your father.” Jacob turned intending to leave the room.

Elizabeth let out a sigh.
“Wait, Dr. Greene. Let’s go ahead and get it over with. The longer I have to think about it, the worst it will be.”

Malcolm stood. “I’ll be in my study if you need me, Jacob.” Before he left the room, Malcolm peered over his shoulder at his beloved daughter with misty eyes. In that moment, Jacob realized life would never be the same for Elizabeth or Malcolm.

Jacob opened his doctor’s bag and removed a few instruments placing them on the table by the bed so he could examine Elizabeth. He could not help but to admire Dana Harris for the comfort she was giving her friend. Most women her age would have been too selfish to put themselves through the humiliation. She cooed softly to Elizabeth as she squeezed her hand until the examination was over.

Washing his hands at the basin on the table, Jacob replied,
“You have a few minor lacerations, but nothing to worry about. You will be sore for several days and need lots of bed rest, but you will quickly heal. I didn’t see any permanent damage. You’re injuries shouldn’t keep you from being able to have children someday.” Jacob couldn’t believe Wally Milford, who pretended to be a pillar of the community, would do such a despicable act to someone as young and innocent as Elizabeth. It was obvious during his examination the man had been rough with her. 

Her voice rising in shock, Elizabeth admonished,
“Children, I’ll never get married. I never want a man to touch me ever again.”

In a soft voice Jacob encouraged, “Miss Williams
, you’ll change your mind when you meet the right young man. You’ll fall in love, get married, and have a family. Now I must speak with your father.” Jacob was almost out the door when both the young women spoke in unison.

“Thank you, Dr. Greene.”

He turned getting one last look at the breath taking Dana Harris before leaving the room. He would like to get to know her better.    

****

Cautiously, Dana stepped into the smoky, smelly tavern. She was beginning to believe she had lost her mind. She hoped her disguise would hide her gender from the curious stares of the patrons inside. The dimly lit room was full of loud, dirty men. She nervously peered around the room trying to locate someone who might lead her to The Shadow.

Dana tri
ed to saunter over to the bar the way she imagined a man would. The oversized boots on her small feet hindered her movement. The hat concealing her thick, russet hair was pulled low so no one could view her face. The pants she found in her brother’s room were much too big, and the only thing holding them up was a belt. A loose fitting coat hid her curves.   

Propping her arms on the bar, Dana
struck up a conversation with a man drinking whiskey. She bent close and whispered, “I need to talk to The Shadow. I will pay anyone who can take me to him.”

With a lopsided smile, he leaned in closer.
“Sorry, son, would you repeat that?” His words were slurred and his breath was hideous. Backing away, Dana realized she would get no information from him. She wondered how he would even find his way home, he was so inebriated.

Determined
not to get discouraged, she ambled about the room hoping to find someone who could lead her to The Shadow. She noticed curious stares directed her way at a nearby table. The way the men looked at her led her to believe she had made the worst mistake of her life. Unkempt and ugly, they made her skin crawl. Men of their nature preyed on the weak, and at the moment she felt like a mouse in a room full of cats.

Nervous, she
turned and headed in a different direction. She didn’t move quickly enough. The hand on her shoulder caused the hair on the back of neck to stand out. She closed her eyes and shuddered before she turned around and peered into the eyes of an ominous, giant of a man. Now she knew her urge to see The Shadow had been a bad idea. What would her parents think if she never came back home. She could disappear just as Elizabeth had, but this would be her own fault for being so reckless. 

“What ya
needing, lad?” A devilish glint in his eye made Dana feel even more uncomfortable.

Clearing
her throat, she talked as deep as she could to make her voice more masculine. “I’m looking for The Shadow. It’s imperative I speak to him.”

The giant began to laugh
as he waved his arm around the room. “Well, if we see him having a drink, we’ll be sure to let him know ya a lookin’ for him.” Everyone within ear shot loudly laughed.

Ignoring the laughter, she nervously replied, “I have money.
I’m hoping someone would know him. I’ll pay anyone who helps me locate him.”

Dana wished
she hadn’t been so hasty to try to find The Shadow by herself. The giant scared the hell out of her. Backing up slowly, Dana said, “I’m sorry I disturbed you gentlemen. I’ll leave now.” 

She
turned on her heel to make a quick exit out the door. The giant reached out and pulled the hat from her head releasing her thick, curly locks. A quiet hush filled the room as everyone looked at her chestnut hair, revealing her gender. No one moved a muscle as they stared at her. 

Dana rubbed her sweaty palms on her much too big pants, giv
ing herself a moment to think. She could think of nothing but to retreat. Hindered by her much too big clothes and boots, she felt as if she were moving in slow motion. The giant grabbed her around the waist, lifting her from the floor, causing the drunk, patrons to roar with laughter. 

“What do we have here?
Ain’t you the purttiest thing I ever seen? How ‘bout a kiss?”

In a loud voice, Dana shouted, “Unhand me.
Your behavior is appalling.” She tried to wiggle out of his arms, but he held her tighter.

Again the rowdy crowd roared with laughter
, causing Dana to become angry, giving her back some of her courage. She decided she would go down fighting. She clenched her fist and with all the strength she could muster hit the giant directly in the nose. He dropped her giving her a chance to try to escape. Before she could run for the door, someone pushed her back into the direction of the giant. He jerked the coat from her arms exposing the thin shirt she wore beneath, revealing the bold curves of her body.

The giant leered
at Dana as if he would devour her. “Now ain’t you a surprise.” Scared to death, she backed up until she felt her back against the wall. Afraid to breathe, she accepted the fact she could not escape.  

The noisy tavern suddenly became very quiet and Dana saw The Shadow standing behind the giant. She couldn’t believe he was actually there. Mouth gaped open in shock, all she could do was stare.
The mask made him look terrifying. Dressed all in black and wearing a concealing mask, the only part of his face that could be seen were his eyes, and it was impossible to make out the color because of the shadows from his disguise. She could see every sinewy muscle through the black, silk shirt he wore. He reeked of danger. 

The giant was
taller than The Shadow, but he did not have the thickness of muscle added to his body. But then the giant may not be as strong, but The Shadow was greatly outnumbered. If he was hurt or killed, it would be her fault.