Dangerous Choices

Dangerous Choices

by

V. L. Jennings

SMASHWORDS EDITION

*****

PUBLISHED BY:

V. L. Jennings on Smashwords

Copyright © 2011 by V. L. Jennings

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Prologue

Where are we headed again?

For the life of her, Amelia Daniels didn’t know what to expect in the burg of a town named Nimsicki, Nimsicki, Iowa to be exact. She had never heard of it, nor had she seen it on a map. Was there truly such a place? The whump-whump-whump of the helicopter’s blades eddied furiously through the skies and her mind was a jumble of thoughts. Less than eighty minutes ago she was at her home in the comfort of the man’s arms she supremely loved. Now she sat in wonder, at what fate awaited her on the other side of a city she’d never seen in infinity.

But lives were at stake.

At least it’s what she’d been told. The horrible Ebola virus was running rampant there, and a physician with her specialty was required to halt its deadly path. A finger pressed to her lips, and her eyes wandered to the pilot. Dressed in olive-green fatigues, or standard military attire, he appeared to know which way to go, even though it was obsidian outdoors and nothing but speckles of light showered from below. His head was covered with headphones the size of those from the seventies—gigantically oval—and he was speaking into a mic positioned over his mouth from the same said headset. The copter’s interior was suffused mostly from the control panel located in the front that was loaded with blips and clock-like structures, and a smattering of tiny flecks reminiscent of fireflies glared feebly overhead. A musty smell emitted from within, and she could barely breathe above its pungency. There was no mistaking its use for armed forces personnel, and Amelia figured it was because this copter was serviced and often. A buzz of conversation floated around her like wisps of cotton in the air, and the motor’s hum was soporific; she so desperately wanted to drift to sleep.

Except she couldn’t.

By now she was anxious from head-to-toe about the unknown. Just how did that horrible, deadly agent end-up in Nimsicki, Iowa, anyway? To her knowledge it was under dogged oversight in a number of Disease Control facilities nationwide, and she didn’t think it could’ve been smuggled directly from outside national borders without the perpetrators infecting themselves from mishandling. No, it was obviously leaked from inside the U.S. But why?

Any strain of the Ebola virus was grizzly business—infelicitous, indeed. Raging fevers followed by severe headaches and a sore throat. Next came vomiting and diarrhea; hemorrhaging of the eyes and nose—internally and externally. Some cases had peeling skin and fatigue. Indeed, the entire situation was dangerous. It’s the only conclusion that made any sense. It was dangerously stupid, and what made matters worse was that Jace was here.

Now that was a dream in itself.

The past week had been nothing but an emotional rollercoaster, with peaked soaring highs and deep wallowing lows. Plus, she knew she was in a world of trouble from the moment she’d heard his voice.

And he had donned the lab coat.

The one she’d given him when he graduated from high school. They had always been close—their families—and somehow Jace had hurdled himself from platonic ‘brother’ to a what-could’ve been. At the tender of age of fourteen he had disclosed his desire to profess medicine and with single-minded focus as an Alaskan pipeline it was achieved right on schedule as a Citizen watch itself.

And it was also the same year he’d had the moxie to kiss her.

Her pulse raced from the memory of it; in the flash of love’s brilliant light. It was all-consuming and passionate, his kiss, and her very hands encircled his neck as an enchanted vine and she dug in for more, much to her mother’s chagrin.

Yeah, they were caught.

As mice in the proverbial trap. It was so innocent, his taking her in his arms and planting a big one on her like that. But she was really, really upset about her life and was flummoxed on what direction to take.

And he made her feel like a woman.

A truly desirable creature. At least at the time it’s what she told herself. But the physical attraction had been building brick-by-brick and slab-by-slab, until the monstrosity of their mutual feelings was an erected structure composed of non-corrosive materials.

Still, it’s no wonder that she couldn’t focus on the main task at hand because she had another life to worry about, another life to save. Sure, he was a grown man and she didn’t have him held by coercion. But if anything happened to him she’d have to answer for his untimely demise to both his and her family. A chill waved through her limbs; it was something she hoped to never anticipate.

And besides, she would never forgive herself.

Is it okay to talk on this flight?

Not that she had anything of true importance to say. The situation was a really big deal and she didn’t want to minimize its significance with trivialities. She spied a glance at Jace and his eyes were fixed intently upon her. His thoughts seemingly paralleled hers because he flashed a reassuring grin. But she wasn’t reassured and timidly smiled in return. They were seated along an inner wall of the copter, and others faced them from the other side. Their luggage had been placed in the back in what she thought was a luggage bin. But she couldn’t help but ponder if they’d be just as inept as all commercial airliners when it came to handling bags. Would they lose her belongings and she’d be without her necessities, or did they have it on the ball and she’d have it returned? Now she began to realize she was allaying her fears on something silly like baggage woes.

Next, her gaze fell to the seatbelts that fastened Jace in his chair. The copter sped rapidly—almost in a blur—and she was glad that she didn’t get airsick. Instantly she hoped that he wouldn’t get airsick. But they had been moving along for sometime so it didn’t appear to pose a problem; he seemed at ease.

It’s okay, Amy, Jace said. Whatever’s going on we’ll figure it out.

You should’ve stayed behind.

No.

Why?

For the same reason why I came to your place in the first place.

That hit her like a ton of bricks. His words almost forced the air from her lungs. Their eyes locked and held like a missile on target, and the faithful web of desires began to engulf them. Had they not been on an official mission for the FBI they would’ve lip-locked for sure, and at the moment her mind sped to why so much time had passed and she hadn’t been in his strong embrace long before now.

Indeed, Amy’s mind recalled with clarity the day of Julian’s death. It was shocking and so completely unpredictable. One second he was playing on the field, the next he was lying dead in a hospital bed. Had she not been a doctor she would’ve sworn to never set foot in one again. But it was her chosen profession—her passion—and a tiny piece of her was glad he’d died playing his.

The physician’s words about Julian’s falsifying an EKG so that he could continue playing football was thoroughly unsettling, and the only reason she’d accompanied him in the first place was because he’d been short of breath earlier in the week. And no, she wasn’t thinking clearly and had allowed his artifice to seduce her into allowing him to play.

But that was Julian, a true bonhomie. He’d played her—preyed on her—from the inception of their relationship, and at times she despised herself for playing the fool. Yes, she was aggrieved by Julian and his domineering ways, and she’d promised herself to never be that gullible again. So she didn’t date.

Enter Jace, stage left.

Peremptorily she loved him, just shortly after she’d discovered the truth about Julian’s philandering ways. Certainly she dodged his advances, but his feelings were indomitable; as were her own. From the days they’d shared from cleaning the attic at her parents’ manse their hearts had been incontrovertibly linked together by a love so true that there was little wonder as to why he sat beside her.

Now the question was: Would she regret it?

One

New York City, New York, 2008

The truth that Julian died washed over her and she felt numb to her toes. Still, minutes had elapsed as on a stop watch and she knew he would never arise again. The fact that she had remained until his vitals on the dynamap had spiraled downward was unsettling enough, and the machines low hum indicated the time had arrived.

Julian was dead.

She raised her head erect, from atop his deceased form; and wiped tears from her cheeks with both sets of fingers. Disconsolate, Amy pushed open the door to the room that had been his and she hoped she truly wasn’t alone in the world.

And she wasn’t.

Jace was there and went to her, engulfed her in his sure embrace. His hand encircled her neck and cradled her near, and she felt a measure of peace and nestled her head against his chest in total grief. She cried and cried torrential downpours upon him, and she hoped he didn’t think her a fool for caring so deeply for one who had initially treated her like street booty. But in the end she realized that, in his own way, Julian truly loved her. The past two months of his life he had done nothing but show her in the little things he’d done. He communicated with her, cherished her, and didn’t allow her to do more than she could handle mentally. It was all there, just as in a blueprint of design on a house or structure; a true foundation to build and expand upon.

I-I have to f-fill out some paperwork, she finally mumbled against him. Jace nodded, and his fingers stroked the back of her neck in reassurance. He didn’t mind helping, and had set his mind to see this to the end—Erica or no.

He helped her complete mountains of paper; gathered Julian’s clothes—he wouldn’t leave her side. James her father called followed by her mother, Valerie. They’d heard the horrible report as a special news bulletin; right after Amy had apparently said to pull the plug. The game had ended, and it flashed by in the middle of Sixty Minutes. Both had offered to fly out. Amy assured, No, Mama. Jace is here. I’ll be fine. They chatted seconds more then ended their call.

Jace was consistently supportive and asked, Amy, would you like to stay at my place tonight?

Erica’s face flashed before her as a yellow stop light. Her face in a grimace she said, Uh, no, thanks. I’ll be fine at the hotel.

Okay, let’s go. He frowned when he gripped her elbow, not taking no for an answer.

At the pricey hostel, dozens of messages and flowers expressed sorrow and surrounded her as an ambush. Plus, she felt strange, entering her suite with Jace and not Julian. Adding to her dismay, all of Julian’s belongings were strewn hither and thither and her mind played tricks on her. Momentarily she believed he would saunter from the bathroom draped only in a towel, cocksure and ready to greet her with a kiss.

Fists flashed to her cheeks in dismay and her mind rebelled and shouted the truth. He’s not here! He’s dead!

Jace’s gaze trailed hers; read her panic-stricken face. Rapidly he gathered Julian’s things to speedily pack them away.

Immobilized a few minutes more, she finally disengaged and moved about. Her eyes settled upon a red rose, the one Julian had left in the morning. It was on the nightstand, and in shock she eased down on the bed and fingered it gently. Breathing heavily she was becoming upset again, when she remembered their night of love and her somewhat revelation about Jace’s feelings for her. She didn’t really reveal her own, so she was glad that Julian didn’t have to endure that heartbreak in the end. Still, the tears gathered in her eyes from a pang of guilt and Jace removed it from her hands and placed it in her suitcase as well. A hand swiped through his hair and he inquired, You hungry?

No. Then she shook her head violently. Like food was a panacea for all the hurt she’d endured in one day. Julian . . . then Jace’s girlfriend. What was next?

Well, I’m ordering room service. He did, and made her eat a french fry or two; made her sip some 7UP.

Seconds flit by and it was getting late, and he slung the Do Not Disturb sign on the outer knob. He phoned the front desk and kindly asked them to take messages—Amy needed rest. Seizing a pillow and the bedspread, he tossed them to the carpeted floor. He toed-off his shoes and tugged first, and then the other sock, ready for bed in minutes.

What’re you doing? she asked.

Going to sleep.

Loudly she sighed and said, Jace! Erica and Chris will worry.

You’d do the same for me, he said, and thrust a palm over his curling locks. If they don’t understand that’s their problem.

Relieved, she offered a small smile. Thanks, Jace. Unsettled and afraid, she didn’t care to be alone.

Fully dressed she soughed again and inched her head upon a pillow, settled her form as a Z atop the downy cot and hoped to get some sleep. But she couldn’t sleep. Fitfully she tossed and cried at times, as her mind replayed Julian’s immovable form in the hospital bed. It was like a horrible nightmare that wouldn’t go away, and deep down she felt responsible. If only’s assaulted her, and viciously she castigated herself for not using better judgment.

Hearing her muffled whimpers he couldn’t rest as well, and he wasn’t used to sleeping on the floor anyway. Rising, he removed her shoes and lay down behind her. His arm held her close, and she felt a measure of security from his breath hot upon her neck. Sort of the way Julian used to do. Her mind began to relax and her limbs began to weaken from the stress of it all.

And they slept soundly for the remainder of the night.

■■■

A couple in Las Vegas was laughing, having a good time. Rooming in the same suite every year, it was grand at the Grand. They had seen the exhibition game between the Oaktown Smashers and New York Nemesis and absolutely relished the demise of Julian Daniels. Truly, the highlight of their night.

Abruptly the man left the confines of the warm, bubbling Jacuzzi. He collected a new bottle of expensive champagne from the ice bin, and bubbles from the bubble bath trailed behind him as a lavender scent wafted the air. Raucously he splashed into the spa again, and heartily he announced, This calls for a celebration . . . He poured her another glass of bubbly and dispensed his in a licentious manner.

Swishing a hand through the foamy water, the other held high her flute in salute. She grinned in sweet jubilation, and sloshed libation over the sides of her glass and purred, "Yes."

Joyfully he informed, We’re celebrating the success of Phase One.

"Yes, oh yes. Giggling, she hopped in excitement and added, And they never knew what him ’em!"

Here’s to makin’ a whole lot of money, sugar! Downing his glass in one gulp, he threw it definitively in the fireplace.

She chugged hers and did the same. He tugged her in his embrace and kissed her fiercely. She soughed in utter contentment, savored the moment. Closing her eyes, she loved this time of year.

■■■

Emotionally exhausted, it was after nine when they stirred and Amy felt a strong branch encumbering her waist. It would have been nice, had it been Julian’s—it would’ve meant he was still breathing and alive. She never wished him any harm. Twisting around to address Jace, her smile was coy when she murmured, Morning.

His grin equaled hers, and his legs twined comfortably against hers. Hi, his voice was tender and he cuddled her close. Lightly his fingers danced their way down her back, trembled a bit, because he couldn’t believe that she was real and not an apparition. She stroked his hair—softly fingered his cheek. Yes, this was a moment he’d constantly imagined—he couldn’t believe it had come to fruition.

Her eyes danced over the light of his face, taking-in each striking detail. Light ginger in color, Jace’s warm green gaze reached into her soul and melted the iciness that threatened to encase her heart. His face was a bit angular now, no longer dressed in baby fat. His build was broad and lean, and stubble from the past day encompassed his handsome features. His head finally caught-up with his teeth, she noticed, and they accentuated his full kissable lips. His mouth, her eyes lingered there and her breath quickened as she remembered what it tasted like merely eight years ago. The constant ball of static between them returned to jolt her, and she stared into his eyes for an indeterminate amount of time. Her lips parted, she yearned to taste him yet again, and she licked hers in readiness.

And he felt it, too.

His body on full alert since yesterday, it was fully charged as an Ever Ready battery. Valiantly he tried to fight his desires but the current between them was overwhelming.

Geez, man, she just lost her husband.

But he couldn’t help it. The years had been many and he loved Amy—missed her greatly. As artificial intelligence his mind and body had a will of their own. Slowly his stare took-in her high cheek bones, her naturally arched brows. Her feline-shaped eyes were warm brown in color—the color of fresh honey. Naturally dusted with kohl lashes, they seemed to rove all over his person. Her nose was lean, not wide, but had a slight lump in its middle; it fit her slender face. She almost looked Amharic. Then his gaze shifted to her shiny lips and he drew her near and his covered hers.

She dissolved as crushed ice in his arms. The pull was undeniable. It felt good. This felt good—being in his arms again, kissing him hotly, passionately. She broke away, needing to breathe, sensing he needed the vital element, too.

He brushed his lips upon her brow and uttered, I’ve missed you so much. He buried his face in her hair while his body burst in joy and longing simultaneously.

Me, too, she answered huskily as she stroked his wide shoulders, pulled him violently against her.

There were days when I couldn’t stand it.

"I know. I’ve always wondered how you were—what you were doing."

I wanted to write or call you.

She nodded, and added softly, Me, too. Still latched tightly, each catalogued the goodness of this moment, the sensation of love and intimacy that lingered in the early morning’s call.

"Amy, I am sorry about Julian."

Me, too. She withdrew a bit to face him. Looking into his eyes she explained, I married him, and was used to him as my husband. I knew I had to give it my best—since I didn’t see things clearly back then, being silly and marrying him like I did. She stared him in the eye and said, I came to love him for the person he was.

He bobbed his head and tried to understand, even though he was jealous. Rationalizing he’d found Erica as well, suddenly he had to tell her the workings of his heart. "We were watching the game and heard Julian was injured. I scanned the stands for you, hoping to see you, see how you are; to see if you were as beautiful as I’d remembered. And there you were in the stands looking hot . . . I had to see you. He gave her a quick hug and added, They take professional players to Manhattan Memorial so that’s where I went."

Rolling to his back, he looked up at the ceiling intently, and relived the past day as a sitcom’s rerun. His fingers splayed to his chest, his eyes glazed over when he said, I had to see if what I felt for you years ago was real or imagined. She was on her side facing him, and a hand cupped her cheek while the other rested on his black tee, he stroked her face gently when he revealed, "Nothing’s changed. I