Mary and the Bear

Chapter Twenty

Mary Elizabeth pulled up to her apartment with a sigh of relief. She was home, finally. The drive seemed to take forever, much longer than the three-and-a-half hours it actually lasted. The Hummer was missing from its spot, so that meant Hugh wasn't at the diner. It wasn't like him not to be there on a Saturday night. For a minute, she wondered if Kiesha broke her word and called him anyway. On second thought, if Kiesha told Hugh she on her way home, he would be planted right here at the apartment, waiting for her.

Time to quit lollygagging. No telling how much time she had, but hopefully it was enough to take a shower and refresh herself. She grabbed her purse and the bags of clothing she'd purchased while she was gone. Her arms loaded down with the bags, she wondered if maybe she should have bought a suitcase like she started to. She didn't need more luggage but if she had, she would only be making one trip upstairs instead of the two it was going to take to get everything inside.

She took her things into the bedroom, taking the time to put things away rather than doing it later. Hugh could walk in the door any minute, so she'd better do this while she could. She'd bought a bit more than the little she'd needed to wear while she was gone. Who knew shopping could be so therapeutic? Besides, she'd run across some deals that she just couldn't pass up. With Kiesha paying her travel expenses, she'd been well able to afford her little shopping spree.

After hanging the new outfits up and throwing the dirty clothes in the hamper where they belonged, she went to go back out to the truck to get the rest of her belongings only to pull up short. “What are you doing here?"

Charles couldn't believe his good fortune. He'd only been in position for a few minutes when Mary Elizabeth arrived. She never once looked in his direction. Not only was she back, she'd conveniently left the front door open for him. He wouldn't get a better opportunity than this.

He reached back and got his briefcase. Everything was prepared and waiting. Once he had her, he could be on his way and leave this little hellhole behind. Checking to make sure no one was around, he got out of the van and quietly closed the door. He climbed the stairs rapidly, wanting to catch her while she was still inside. He made it inside and was pushing the door closed when Mary Elizabeth came out of one of the rooms in the back.

"What are you doing here?"

Surprisingly enough, his future bride didn't seem all that pleased to see him. Oh well, that would change soon enough. “Gee, Mary Elizabeth. I came all this way to visit you and you don't appear happy to see me. Is that any way to treat family?"

She responded just as he knew that she would. “I'm sorry, Charles. You took me by surprise. Of course I'm happy to see you. Why didn't you call first and tell me you were coming?"

"Then it wouldn't have been a surprise. I've been here several days, waiting for you to arrive. Your friend Kiesha told me you were out of town on business."

"Yes, I was,” she said slowly. “As a matter of fact, I just arrived home not five minutes ago. That's strange. I just spoke to Kiesha and she didn't mention..."

"Aren't you going to ask me to sit down?” He interrupted quickly, not giving her time to finish that thought.

"Oh, where are my manners? Come in. Have a seat. Can I get you anything? I'm not sure what I have but you're more than welcome."

"No, I'm fine. Come, sit beside me and let's talk."

She came and sat, but she kept looking at the door expectantly. “Are you expecting someone?"

"My landlord. Kiesha said he was looking for me."

So the big guy was her landlord. Makes sense. Maybe the folks in the diner had it all wrong.

"Charles, why are you here?"

"I came to take you home. Your parents miss you and asked me to bring you home."

Mary Elizabeth closed her eyes and sighed. “Charles, I wish you hadn't come. I've told you and mother countless times that I like it here. I'm not coming home. Refuge is my home now."

"Mary Elizabeth, I think this foolishness has gone on long enough and your mother agrees. I've told you how I feel about you. Yes, I've made mistakes but it's time we moved past that. You've had your revenge, moving away, making me chase you and even playing around with that yokel. Now it's time to stop playing hard to get and come home so we can marry the way we should have all those years ago."

She looked at him as though he wasn't quite sane. “Charles, I'm not playing hard to get. This is my home and I'm not marrying you. I told you that before I left and again on the phone when we last spoke. Your insistence on referring to me as you fiancé has me concerned. I don't think you've dealt with Babs’ death like you should. Maybe you should get some professional help."

"I AM NOT CRAZY!” He screamed at her, causing her to flinch away from him and slid to the edge of the couch, ready to jump to her feet, watching him warily. He took a deep breath to calm himself and held out a hand in silent appeal. “I'm sorry, dear. I didn't mean to frighten you. It's just that your sister used to say things of that nature to me all the time. That's why I had to do it, you see?"

"Had to do what, Charles?” She didn't get up but she eased further away from him, still unsettled by the way he'd lost it a minute ago. She'd never seen Charles act like this.

"Why, had to get rid of her, of course. She wanted to leave me. She was going to tell everyone who would listen that I was crazy, not that anyone would have believed her. Still, the scandal would have been horrendous. Couldn't have that, now could we? Can't have any taint associated with the Remington name.” He laughed, a horrible maniacal sound that raised the hairs on the back of her nape.

Mary Elizabeth looked at him in dawning horror. There was something seriously wrong with Charles. She was beginning to believe his mind had snapped. “Charles, Babs’ death was an accident, remember? She was hit by a drunk driver."

He smiled at her as though amused by her naivety. “Actually, it was a hit and run. Don't you remember? Presumed to be caused by a driver who'd been drinking and fled the scene to avoid detection. It really wasn't that difficult to plant that idea in the mind of the investigating officer. Happens all the time. No witnesses to contradict the supporting circumstantial evidence and case closed. Now come along. We've wasted enough time. Let's go before your friend with the Hummer decides to return.” He rose to his feet and held out his hand to her in expectation.

She shook her head in denial. “Charles, do you realize what you're saying? You're saying you killed Babs."

"Really, dear. She needed killing. I don't see what the problem is."

She looked at him, really seeing him for the first time. “You are crazy. You stand there and confess to killing Babs and think I'd go anywhere with you?"

She stood and began backing toward the door. Charles moved to intercept, blocking the path to the door. “Get out of my house. I never want to see you again."

"Don't be foolish. Of course you want to see me. You love me. We're getting married, remember? Now come along, we don't have time for this. We need to leave before your landlord arrives."

He really was insane. She needed to get him out of here. He stood between the door and the bedroom. That left the phone. “Charles, if you won't leave on your own, I'll call the police."

He took a step toward her and she backed away, stepping closer to the phone. He stopped and a puzzled expression crossed his face. “Mary Elizabeth, are you afraid of me? I love you. I would never hurt you.” He took another step forward.

Mary Elizabeth put her hand on the phone. “Just leave, Charles. Don't make me call the police."

He stood there, looking hurt and confused. “You obviously need a little time to yourself. I forgot you just returned from a trip. You're tired and not thinking straight. Let me grab my briefcase and I'll go. We can finish talking later."

He came closer to her and she tightened her grip on the phone, until she realized he was just getting the briefcase he'd laid on the coffee table near where she stood.

"I know you left because of your mother. She's never given you the love or appreciation you deserve. All of that will change once we're married.” He turned and started walking to the door, one hand holding the briefcase, the other playing with something in his pocket. Mary Elizabeth followed behind, careful not to get too close. She wanted to lock the door as soon as he was safely on the other side.

"I wish you could have seen her face when I told her we were marrying. She was so happy, especially when I promised to give her plenty of grandchildren to spoil."

Mary Elizabeth bit her tongue, trying to keep from commenting. He was almost to the door. Just a few steps more.

"Tears came to her eyes when I told her we'd name one of our daughters Anne, in Babs’ honor."

Just then, the phone rang. She automatically looked in its direction. Charles swung the briefcase at her head and it connected with the side of her face. The force of the blow spun her around in a semi-circle and she dropped like a rock. Pain exploded in her head, so intense, she almost threw up.

She lay there crumpled on the floor, struggling to get to her hands and knees. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind. As the buzzing in her ears stopped, she could hear Charles droning in the background.

"Look what you made me do. I knew you were going to be difficult about this. You can be so stubborn, Mary Elizabeth. No matter, I came prepared.” He set his briefcase on the table and opened it.

"Since you can't be reasonable about this, I'll just have to tie you up. I brought plenty of tape and insurance, for just in case.” He held the gun up where she could see it, then placed it on the table. Then he reached back inside of the briefcase and came out with a roll of duct tape.

Mary Elizabeth made it to her knees and drunkenly tried to crawl away, heading for the door.

Charles tisked at her. “And where do you think you're going? I would really hate to put a bullet in that lovely body of yours ... but ... if that's what it takes. I brought tranquilizers so you won't feel any pain on the long ride home if I have to shoot you. I realize you're angry, but once we're married all will be forgiven. I really am a superb catch. I intend to take good care of you. Leave all of this trash behind. I've already purchased you a wardrobe befitting your position as my wife and it's waiting at the house for you. And you can forget this silly little job of yours. As my wife, your only responsibility will be to take care of me, and our children, of course. Come along now. I've already spent more time here than I planned."

Each word he spoke caused the anger building inside her to grow stronger. Anger was good. It cleared her head and strengthened her resolve to get out of this alive, no matter what it took. Charles wouldn't get away with his attempt to kidnap her, for that's what this was.

"We'll have to drive all night to make it back in time for our wedding. Let me get you tied up. Then I'll carry you down to the van, which won't be easy. You are a little on the heavy side. That's something we'll have to work on once we're married."

Mary Elizabeth was so angry, she was literally seeing red. There was a strange tingling in her arms and legs which she ignored, her attention wholly centered on Charles.

"You ought to appreciate the trouble I'm going through for you.” The sound of ripping filled the air as Charles tore off several strips of tape and hung them on the briefcase for ease of use. “Now let's get you all bundled up. I really wish this wasn't necessary, but I can't have you flailing around distracting me while I drive."

He put the tape back in the briefcase and accidentally knocked the gun off of the table. Seeing her opportunity, with a mighty roar, she rose up in a rush and lunged at him.

Her roar made him jump and jerk in her direction. His eyes opened wide in shock and the color left his face. “What the hell?"

It was all he managed to get out before she struck. The hand groping for the gun never connected as with another roar of pure fury, she hit him with all the strength in her body. He flew across the room and slammed into the wall before dropping to the floor like a limp, rag doll; eyes rolled up into the back of his head.

The door burst open a seconds later and Hugh came rushing in. He took in the scene in a glance, his eyes widening when he saw her before he turned and saw Charles crumpled on the floor. Hugh checked Charles's pulse while she paced back and forth, cursing under her breath.

Mary Elizabeth wanted to hit him again. She didn't care if he was crazy. He'd hit her! She'd never been struck in her life. Who did he think he was? First, he calmly announced that he killed her sister. Then, despite how many times she told him she wouldn't marry him, the man goes and arranges their wedding, and was willing to kidnap her to make sure she fell in line. Then, he hit her, after calling her fat! The woman he supposedly loved. She wanted to kill him. It was all she could do to keep herself from going over there and kicking him until she broke a few ribs while he lay there unconscious. It was the least that he deserved.

Hugh walked over to the phone and made a call. “Rome, this is Hugh. I've got a situation over here. Attempted kidnapping. Perp's unconscious right now. I'll tie him up before he comes around.” He listened for a moment and then said, “Right. The apartment above the diner. Door's open.” He made short work of tying Charles up and then turned to his furious mate.

"Mary Elizabeth, I need for you to calm down."

She growled in reply.

"Honey, I know you're angry right now and you have every right to be, but I really need for you to get a hold of your temper and calm down."

She shook her head so hard she wobbled as she paced back and forth, citing all the things she'd been through. She wasn't calming down anytime in the foreseeable future.

Hugh took a deep breath, placed his hands on his hips and shook his head. “I want you to remember that I tried doing this the easy way. Mary Elizabeth, look at your hands."

Of all the stupidest things she'd ever heard in her life, this was the worst. Look at her hands! She knew what her hands looked like. The man hadn't seen her in days. He walked in on an attempted kidnapping and all he could say was calm down and look at your hands? She gave him a look that showed how stupid she thought his command was.

"I mean it, honey. Trust me. You need to look at your hands."

Giving a huff of aggravation, she did as he'd said and screamed in surprise. Her hands were gone. In their place were some big, hairy paws with lethal looking claws on the end. She followed the line of her paw up her arm as far as she could see.

Her arms were also covered in fur. Everything that she could see had thick, brown fur on it. Now that she was calmer, she realized she was still on all fours. She looked between her front legs at the rest of her body and saw that she had two in the back just like the front. She tried to get a good look at the rest of her body, only to give up when she spun around uselessly in circles.

She looked at Hugh with fear in her eyes. Unless she was mistaken, she was a bear. She didn't know how she got this way. More importantly, she didn't know how to change back.

"Take it easy. As soon as you calm down, you'll change back. It's strong emotion that brings on the Change. Take some deep breaths. Practice your yoga breathing."

He looked up as Rome and one of his deputies, a man by the name of Harris walked through the door. Rome looked around at the evidence, and then gazed at Mary Elizabeth with interest. “I take it that's your mate? First Change?"

"Yeah, I'm trying to get her to calm down long enough to change back. She's got a hell of a temper and I'm sure that's what triggered the Change."

Mary Elizabeth sat down on her haunches abruptly. Now that the crisis was over, the adrenaline was leaving her body. Suddenly, she was too tired to be angry any more. She just wanted this whole day to be over. She felt a tingling in her spine and looked down to see her body changing. In a matter of seconds, she was back in her own skin. Her very bare, very naked skin. Where were her clothes?

Hugh stripped off his shirt and put it around her, before scooping her up in his arms. “We'll be in here when you need us,” he said as he headed toward the bedroom.

Mary Elizabeth looked over his shoulder and saw shredded pieces of material on the floor of the living room. That explained the missing clothes.

Rome nodded as he directed Harris to put the unconscious prisoner in the patrol car. Then he pulled out a camera and began taking pictures while another deputy began collecting evidence. Having taken all the pictures he needed, he went to the room to get Mary Elizabeth's statement.

Hugh laid her down on the bed gently and removed his shirt, running his hands over her body, checking for damage. She had a knot on the side of her head near her temple that was slowly healing before his eyes.

"Did that bastard touch you? If he did, he's a dead man."

"No, he hit me with the briefcase when I wouldn't go with him willingly."

"What!"

Right then, Rome knocked on the door. Hugh grabbed the covers and wrapped Mary Elizabeth in them before calling out for him to enter.

Rome came into the room with a small notebook in his hand. Mary Elizabeth looked him over with interest. This was the first time she'd seen a police force in the month she'd been living in Refuge. He was Latino, and a very handsome one at that. Instead of the usual police uniform, he was dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans and a black polo shirt with Refuge County Police Department monogrammed on the pocket in red. He pulled the police issued baseball cap off of his head and ran his hand through his mane of shiny, dark curls before sliding the cap back on his head.

"Are you okay to answer some questions? If not, you can come down to the station tomorrow and answer them. I know you've been through an ordeal."

"I'm fine. Let's just get this over with.” She straightened up her drooping shoulders and wrapped the cover around her more securely, uncomfortably aware of her nakedness. Hugh sat down on the bed beside her and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders, silently offering his strength. She leaned into his warmth as she turned to Rome and asked, “What do you need to know?"

"Everything you can tell me, starting with who the unconscious gentleman in the front is. Just start from the beginning. Then, if I have any questions or need any clarification, I'll stop you and ask, okay? Be as detailed as possible."

She took a deep breath before starting. This was going to take awhile. “His name is Charles Remington and he's my brother-in-law.” She felt Hugh tense beside her at the information, but he said nothing. “He was married to my sister Babs who we buried a few weeks ago. Up until tonight, I thought she'd died as a result of a drunk driving accident."

Rome interrupted. “What happened tonight to make you think differently?"

"Charles confessed to killing her. I'm not sure how he managed it but he said that he was responsible for her death.” Hugh's hands gripped tightened until she winced in pain. “Hugh, please, you're hurting me."

"Sorry.” He loosed his grip.

"Okay, we'll come back to that later. So Charles is your brother-in-law. What's he doing here?"

This was the part she hated. It all sounded so sordid. “After the funeral, Charles came to see me. He was making noise about how he should have married me and how, now that Babs was dead, this was his opportunity to make things right. I figured it was the grief talking. I had already been offered the job here but hadn't decided yet. The incident with Charles, along with a few other things I won't go into, pushed me to say yes."

"That one piece of news just saved his life,” Hugh said with a growl.

"Hugh,” Rome said warningly. “Law present, in the room?"

Rome asked Mary Elizabeth to clarify. “Why did he say he should have married you? What made him think that you would be interested?"

"Charles and I were engaged when he met my sister.” Mary Elizabeth thought that the less said on that subject, the better. Seeing how crazy Charles was, she realized she'd had a lucky escape. Instead of being angry with Babs when it happened, she should have been down on her knees, thanking her instead.

"So he married your sister instead, and now feels he made a mistake."

Mary Elizabeth nodded. “Babs was cheating on him. I didn't think he knew about it but I found out after her funeral that he did. That's why I think he's so fixated on me. He figures if he married me, I wouldn't have strayed. I told him he was seven years too late and I was no longer interested. Anyway, I came here. Charles used to call daily, asking me to come home. The last time he called, about two weeks ago, he referred to me as his fiancé.” Turning to Hugh she said, “That was the night of the party. I told him again that I wasn't marrying him, and that I was here to stay. That was the last I heard from him until he showed up tonight.” Then she told him everything that happened from the time she walked in the door until Hugh arrived.

Hugh bristled and vibrated beside her during the telling, his anger a tangible thing. Once she was finished, Rome turned to Hugh and asked, “Do you have anything to add to this?"

"Yeah, Charles called again, only this time I answered the phone. He introduced himself as my mate's fiancé. I didn't tell him who I was but I did tell him she belonged to me. Then I hung up on him and disconnected the phone to keep him from calling back and disturbing Mary Elizabeth."

"So he was aware that there was a man in her life. It's probably what pushed him over the edge."

Mary Elizabeth shook her head. “I don't think it would have mattered. I thought he was just going through a difficult grieving process. I knew that my saying no to his proposal made him more determined to have me, but after tonight, I realized that the man's nuttier than my grandma's fruitcakes."

Hugh thought, Mary Elizabeth was right. Charles was insane and from the sound of it, he had plenty of money to cover the signs of his illness. He could afford good legal representation. The kind that didn't care about guilt or innocence and did the job they were paid to do—get their client off. He and Rome shared a look that showed they were thinking the same thing. With a small nod, Rome indicated he would handle it.

Mary Elizabeth didn't notice. She was slumped against Hugh. Reaction was finally setting in. All she wanted to do was wrap herself around Hugh and celebrate being alive and with the man she loved. Things could have turned out so differently tonight. She was ready for everyone to leave so that they could be alone. This was so not the homecoming she'd envisioned.

Rome closed his notebook. “That's all I need for now. We'll be here a little longer gathering evidence, but from the looks of things, it collaborates with what you've told me. Charles has already been taken to the station. Hugh, bring Mary Elizabeth to the station tomorrow so she can sign her statement and press charges."

"What about Babs? Can you charge him with murder?” She really didn't want him to get away with killing her sister, but she knew things like that happened all the time, especially if you had enough money.

"I forgot about the sister. What can you tell me about the accident?"

"It was listed as a hit and run. Babs’ car was totaled. The driver of the second vehicle was never found. The vehicle was listed as stolen and there were open containers and the strong smell of alcohol inside. Babs bled out on the way to the hospital, never having gained consciousness."

"It sounds like your brother-in-law covered his tracks well. Even if he confessed, there's probably not enough evidence to get a conviction."

"Yeah, that's what I figured. So he'll get away with it after all.” The thought was depressing, and a little frightening. She hoped they could make these charges stick. She didn't want to be looking over her shoulder for the rest of her life. Right now Charles was obsessed with her. What happens if he decided that if he couldn't have her, nobody would?

Rome told Hugh he'd talk to him later and then left Hugh to comfort his mate. As soon as the door closed, Mary Elizabeth came out of the covers and climbed into Hugh's lap. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. “I missed you so much. When I first saw Charles, I was so mad at him for messing up my surprise. That's before I realized how crazy he was."

"Don't you ever leave me again,” he said sternly.

She ran her fingers through his hair before cradling his face with her hands. “I'm sorry. It won't happen again. I just needed time to get my head straight. To figure out what I wanted."

"And have you figured things out?” His look was very intent, as though he could see right into her soul. Maybe he could.

"Yes, I want you. Whatever that means. Whatever it takes. You've crawled into my soul and now I can't imagine my life without you in it."

"It's called love and I feel the same way about you.” He went to say more but she kissed him to silence.

"Later. I have several days of abstinence to make up for."

His eyes glowed as he recognized his words from earlier being spoken back to him. He lowered his mouth to hers. She was right. They could talk later. Much, much later.

From the sounds coming from the room, it didn't take any investigative skills on his part to know what was going on in there. Rome ushered his deputy out of the apartment. Anything they needed and didn't already have would have to wait until later.

He walked out of the apartment and locked the door behind him with a sad smile on his face. He was glad Hugh's mate was safe and sound, in his arms where she belonged. It was his job to make sure she stayed that way. He'd give anything to be able to hold his mate in his arms again. Now that he'd finally found her, he was working on a plan to bring her back to Refuge where she belonged. Once she was here, he'd never let her go again.