Chapter 46
FORTY-SIX
The monsters were real. There were things in the darkness that couldn’t be explained. There were always signs, you just had to know where to look.
The house was dark as every lamp and overhead light had been turned off.
The stifled cries had begun again. Katie couldn’t believe she was hearing those sounds coming out of her.
She felt lost and didn’t know how to move forward.
Her body was weak. Her mind flashed back to some of the situations she and McGaven had been embroiled in.
How could she have dragged him into her post-traumatic stressful world?
Kate was dressed in pajama bottoms and a tank top.
It was cold, but she didn’t care. Her bare feet pressed against the kitchen floor with her legs bent as she leaned back against the lower cupboard.
Cisco was pressed against her right side, staying close, feeling her pain and anguish.
Midnight was on the counter looking down at them.
It had been nearly twelve minutes since she called John. Without knowing what else to do, she reached out to the only person who would understand and not judge. She yearned for his comfort to help stop the monsters.
The red light that emitted from the stove clock mesmerized her—like the emergency beacons that always pinpointed chaos and death.
It reminded her of all the crime scenes she had witnessed and all the torture and mayhem of a battlefield.
It was a monstrous reminder of what people could do to each other.
Her pulse had slowed and her breath had calmed, but her body was still on high alert. She couldn’t look at the clock anymore and hung her head.
The soft noise of keys opening the front door was the sound of a lifeline.
Cisco didn’t move from Katie. He wasn’t needed anywhere but here.
“Katie?” said John softly as he shut the front door. His voice was kind but strained.
“Here,” she whispered.
John’s footsteps moved through the living room and into the kitchen. They suddenly stopped. There was the sound of a zipper as he shed his jacket.
The warm body and his arms around her were like being in heaven and having effortless support.
She didn’t say anything and John remained quiet, offering his silent comfort.
His hug and undeniable strength warmed her body and she began to come around.
It was as if someone had given her smelling salts.
Their energies and souls were synced. She breathed deeply in and out.
They sat like that for about half an hour. No talking. No movement. They remained together in the darkness, in that wonderful warmth, until the monsters had all left.
Katie finally spoke. “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” he said softly.
“I’ve been a little distant and obsessed by this case. I haven’t been seeing what the most important thing is in my life.”
There was the sound of light rain outside. Katie heard the hypnotic drip of the gutters. She began to feel better. She snuggled into John’s muscular arms. He kissed her forehead. She was glad it wasn’t just about sexual activity, but rather, the comfort of human touch to calm the soul.
“Thank you,” she said as her entire center was restored.
“Do you feel like telling me what happened?” he said gently.
“Not really. It’s just I’ve pushed so hard on these cases I’ve lost track of why I do this job.”
“Babe, you are so tough on yourself.”
“I… I can’t help it. I don’t want more people to die.”
“There’s always going to be someone dying. That’s what your job entails… finding the killers whether it’s a cold case or an active one.”
Katie flinched. John always put things in perspective no matter what. He was gentle and caring. Honest. The combination of traits made him the man she loved so much.
“Just so you know, I heard about the hotel.”
Katie let out a sigh and looked at him.
“It’s okay. I don’t want any secrets. I love you. It doesn’t matter what you’re struggling with—we will get through it together. Okay?”
She nodded. Somehow she felt better that he already knew about what she did. The heaviness had been lifted. “How’d you get so wise?”
He smiled. “C’mon,” he said, helping her up. He held and kissed her with undeniable passion. “Let’s go to bed.”
Katie nodded, feeling mentally drained and physically exhausted.
John gently held her hand as they walked to her bedroom. Cisco followed slowly behind them, finding his special spot on the chair in the corner. He grumbled and adjusted his body before settling on his position… then closing his eyes.
John gently undressed Katie and tucked her in bed, then he quickly shed his clothes. The rain picked up momentum, battering the roof in a rhythmic lullaby. Climbing into bed, John pulled Katie tight next to him. He caressed her neck and kissed her softly.
“I love you…” she barely whispered.
“You are my life… I love you,” he said.
It wasn’t long before both were asleep as if one heart beat between them.