Tiffany Colter's Fiction

A Face in the Shadow Epilogue

2009-10-27T07:41:00.000-04:00

Epilogue

“The hunt for the Frat boy killer ended yesterday with a shooting. According to sources close to the investigation Jeremy Logan Wright was shot when his attempt on his most recent victim ended with the use of deadly force.”

Rachel stood up to turn off the television.

“No wait. They’re going to show you.” Curtis brought her back beside him on the couch.

“Police say their investigation reveals there could have been as many as eleven previous victims rather than the four as once thought. The incident is under investigation by the firearm review board.”

“Aww, they didn’t show you.” Curtis clicked off the television.

“I looked awful in those reports.”

“You looked brave.” He reached his arms around her and squeezed. “So, tell me again how you saved me.”

“Curtis I’ve told you this twenty times since yesterday.” She threw her arms out dramatically and fell back into the couch.

“I know but I love hearing it.”

“I prayed.”

He smiled down at her. “And what did you pray?”

“That if God was real that we’d get out alive.”

“And?” He turned his ear toward her and leaned toward her.

She leaned down in to his arms and relived the scene again. How she heard the shots, felt as if her heart were burning inside her chest. Then, only an instant later, the sudden calm that replaced it. “I still don’t get it.”

“Yes you do.” He kissed her forehead.

“Okay, I don’t entirely understand it, but I think I get it.”

Curtis nodded, pleased with her answer. “That’s all you need.”

She had learned testing God wasn’t the best way to start a relationship, and maybe it wasn’t, but God had revealed himself to her in the way she needed it. He kept his promise to deliver her. And even though she really didn’t understand it somehow she knew He was beside her the whole time.

“Do you have any ideas of what you’d like to do today?” Curtis reached for her hand. She took it in both of her hands.

“I’m open to suggestions.”

“Let’s Elope.” He said with a smile.

“Elope?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you think that is a bit fast?” She leaned back on the couch and crossed her legs.

“Not when you know you’ve found the one God picked for you.”

Rachel eyed this man who only a few months ago she’d barely been willing to talk to. Seemed so ridiculous now that it had taken her so long to see what was right in front of her.

She kissed him then stood up. “Who am I to argue with that logic?” He stayed on the couch, eyes searching her. “Are you coming or what?”

“You’re serious?”

Rachel nodded and reached her hand toward him.

“I’ll grab my keys.”

The End

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 1

2009-10-23T07:39:00.001-04:00

One

“No.” She screamed when she heard the sharp popping upstairs then slumped at the bottom of the steps. There was no way she could go up. Even if it was Jeremy she couldn’t see…

There was thudding overhead. Rachel looked up the steps and Curtis came around the corner. There was a red line across one arm and his clothes were disheveled but he was fine.

“He’s dead Rachel.”

“Oh my God.” It was a three word prayer but God knew in her heart God had heard it. The armor dropped off of her heart and she looked up at Curtis coming down the steps.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 2

2009-10-20T07:35:00.000-04:00

Two

Jeremy heard the shot at almost the same moment pain seared through his stomach. A cop stood over him, pistol drawn. A second called for an ambulance in his radio.

Why did they shoot him? It was the other man who didn’t belong. Alpha Mu Epsilon. He had earned her. Rachel was his.

The pain was fading. He was sleepy. The men, the two cops and that wife stealer, stood over him. They wouldn’t help him. They were watching him die.

He scanned the room. She wasn’t there. She had betrayed him too. Just like the others.

He was tired.

Very tired.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 3

2009-10-16T07:41:00.002-04:00

Three

“Rachel. Don’t make me ask twice.”

He turned her around to face him.

“I-I love you.”

“And you want to marry me.” He squeezed her arm when he said it.

“And I want to marry you.” He was going to let her live. Hope surged for a fleeting moment then died when she considered the life he’d likely have her living.

He reached in his pocket but instead of pulling out a ring as she expected he pulled out a large knife from his pocket. He unfolded it and lifted the blade to her face.

“Let’s move things upstairs.” His breath made her recoil. His cologne was powerless against it. Rachel leaned back against the table. He responded by taking the blade down and cutting off one button from her blouse. Then a second and third. He stepped back and motioned to the steps with his head.

God if you really do exist please help me.

She turned and looked back. He lifted the blade and waved it towards the staircase that led to the upstairs. She went up the steps and at the top turned.

“Our room.”

He put his hand on her waist and led her down the hall to her bedroom. The clock on her nightstand only read five-thirty five. Deep sobs rose inside her. This morning had been the last time she’d see her parents, Shannon or Curtis.

I’m so sorry Curtis.

Jeremy led Rachel to the side of the bed and cut the rest of her buttons off before unbuttoning his own shirt.“I’ll be gentle with you beautiful.” He untucked his shirt and nodded his head to her blouse. She refused to move. If this was going to happen she wouldn’t help.“Are you a little shy?” His voice was gentle with her again. He leaned down and pressed his lips hard against hers and pushed her back on her bed. She tried to pull away but he grabbed the back of her head and held her still.

“Rachel, are you here.”

Jeremy stood up and turned to the voice coming from downstairs. “What is he doing here?”

“Rachel?”

Curtis was downstairs. From his voice she could hear him coming toward the steps leading upstairs.

Jeremy leaned in close. His breath was like death. “Don’t make me kill him on our special day.” He stood back up and put his finger to his lips. If she stayed quiet he would kill Curtis. Jeremy was never going to let her live apart from his sick twisted world.

“Rachel? Is everything okay?” Curtis sounded like he was at the top of the steps.

Jeremy would kill Rachel or Curtis.

God would make a way where there seemed to be no way.

“Curtis!” She screamed. Jeremy lunged for her and she dove from the bed. Curtis burst in the room.

“Run Rachel.” Curtis yelled.

She hesitated only an moment then ran out of the bedroom and down the steps. She pressed the panic button on her alarm and dialed 9-1-1.

She held her blouse closed with one hand and went for a knife. Her hands shook and she made her way quickly for the steps. Something shattered overhead and she could hear the struggle.

I think you might be real. If you are, please save Curtis too.

Before she was half way up the stairs someone pounded at the door. She turned and saw the blue and red lights flashing around her curtains. Something overhead crashed again and there were no more sounds of struggle.

She hesitated only a moment longer then ran to the front door and let the officer in.

“He’s upstairs. One is my boyfriend and the other is the Fratboy.”

The officer paused for a moment and looked at her then went up the steps.

“The bad guy doesn’t have his shirt on.” She screamed after him. Another officer ran in her front door. She called after him “The bad guy doesn’t have his shirt on.”

There were muffled yells. Then she heard the gunshot.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 4

2009-10-13T07:08:00.000-04:00

Four

Logan, or as Rachel called him Jeremy, kissed her neck but it did nothing to calm the raging desire inside his body. Never had he been so willing to wait for what he wanted and never had there been such a surge inside. With one of the other eleven the table would have sufficed but he’d be with Rachel forever. They were going to start their life together right.

He was going to give her a husband’s love. A husband’s love was gentle and tender. A husband protected his wife from anyone who would hurt her. Jeremy was going to protect Rachel from all those people who would seek to lead her astray.

Jeremy would complete her.

“Tell me you love me, Rachel.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 5

2009-10-09T07:16:00.000-04:00

Five

Rachel stared at Jeremy in her living room. He wasn’t the charming man she’d met after the fender bender. His eyes were large saucers and a toothy smile was plastered to his face. Her blood turned to ice.

“Us?”

He nodded his head. He never broke his stare it simply slid up and down her body.

“My boyfriend will be here soon.”

His eyes flashed anger. He squinted and took two steps closer to her.

“No, he won’t. He has a seven o’ clock appointment.” His smile returned. “I knew we wouldn’t want to be interrupted tonight.” He licked his lips.

He walked slowly to her. He stood a few inches taller than her and he was much more muscular than she had remembered. He was in a starched button up shirt.

Another step. He was almost toe to toe with her.

How could she have come in the house and not smell his aftershave. He must have bathed in it.

“Please don’t.” She squeaked out.

“Don’t what?” He rubbed the end of her hair with his fingers.

Don’t give him any ideas. She stood silent.

“Open your present.” He motioned with his finger.

She turned and faced the table. The wooden box wasn’t more than six inches across. The outside was scuffed like something that has been opened many times. Or something fairly old. She lifted the lid slowly and reached into touch the lock of red hair.

He stepped up, pressed himself up against her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “There were eleven before you but they were not worthy. You were the one I had been waiting for.”

“Eleven?”

He lifted her hair and kissed the back of her neck. When she started to pull away he grabbed her by the throat and pulled her back then slowly began to kiss her again. She closed her eyes. Soon she would wake up from a paranoid nightmare and would be at her parents’ house where she should have been this evening.

“The eleven who betrayed me, Rachel. You saw them on the television.”

The dead women.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 6

2009-10-06T07:09:00.002-04:00

Six

He stood just outside of the of the small lamp’s light. When she turned to face him it they would finally be ready. Slowly she put her arms down by her side and turned to him. She squinted her eyes at him.

“Are you happy to see me?”

She didn’t speak.

She shouldn’t make him speak twice. He wanted tonight to be gentle but he was willing to take what was his. “I said are you happy to see me?” He kept his voice low but his tone was firm.

“I can’t see you. That lamp is too dim.” Her voice cracked. She was afraid. Fear was good. He could work with that.

“Turn on the overhead light.”

She obeyed quickly and turned on the dining room light then turned to face him.

“Jeremy?”

“Not who you expected?”

“I…”

“I’ve known from the first moment you were her.” It hadn’t come out as eloquently as he’d hoped. The next thing he said would be better.

“What do you want?” She said, fear rattling her voice.

“The same thing you want…Us.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 7

2009-10-02T07:35:00.000-04:00

Seven

Rachel froze. Her breath caught in her throat and the hair rose on her skin.

“I knew you’d come.” He continued. His voice was deep and calm. He was behind her and the sound of his voice was moving closer.

She willed her feet to move. If she ran up the steps and locked the bedroom door she could drop out of the window. Her mind escaped but her body was powerless. She took shallow breaths.

His footsteps came down on the wood floor. He was less than six feet behind her and still she couldn’t move.

Why had she lied to Curtis?

“Rachel.” He whispered. “Turn around.”

She recognized that voice.

“Turn around.” He demanded. His sudden yell startled her and she jump. When she turned to face him all chance for escape was gone. In her mind she always imagined she would fight. She wouldn’t give in.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 8

2009-09-29T07:28:00.001-04:00

Eight

Logan watched Rachel come through. She turned on the lamp but it’s light didn’t extend far enough to reach him in the shadow. Off in her own little world like she’d always been. But he was going to interrupt that world.

Then she saw his gift and she stopped. He waited for her to open it but she stared at it. Alpha Mu Epsilon. It was time to claim his reward. He stepped forward, his footsteps muffled by the soft carpet below. Every curve of her body awakened the animal part of him. It was only moments away, their union.

“Hello Beautiful.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 9

2009-09-25T07:25:00.001-04:00

Nine

The light on the answering machine was blinking. Rachel pushed play and listened to the messages while she closed and locked the back door. As usual no one of any importance called her house. Why had she even kept the home line? It would be a few hours until Curtis got here so she went back to the punch pad and pushed in her new code to arm the alarm system. She’d have to remember to give him the code.

When was the last time she’d eaten? She rubbed her growling stomach. Everything in the fridge would be spoiled but there were some canned soups in the cupboard. Should’ve picked something up on the way.

“First, let’s get out of these clothes.” She grabbed a green apple from the fruit bowl as she walked past and took a bite out of it on her way through the living room. She clicked the table lamp on and continued to the dining room. She skidded to a stop. In the middle of her dining room table was a small wooden box, a single white rose, and a silver charm with three Greek letters.

He had been here again. Once she gathered her composure she stepped back from the table. Don’t touch anything and don’t disturb the evidence. Everything was going to be fine. It was only a few feet to the back door and the panic button.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 10

2009-09-22T07:24:00.000-04:00

Ten

She came.

Logan worked to control his breathing. Epsilon he reminded himself. Let her see the gift first. You have your entire life to live together. Be patient a few moments longer. He needed to bring his body under submission. A man was more animal than human Aunt Tulla told him. That was why they couldn’t control their urges. But Logan had. Logan could control them.

Rachel was putting things down. Any moment she would walk through the doorway and their forever would begin.

He focused his eyes on the jewelry box he’d placed on the dining room table. His gift for his new bride.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 11

2009-09-18T07:20:00.002-04:00

Eleven

The entire day had been dreary but the grey clouds that covered the sun started drizzling as Rachel hit the highway. She flipped her wipers on the lowest setting. They scraped across her windshield smearing the small droplets and making an annoying squeak on each pass. She flipped them off and waited until she almost couldn’t see. Then she would flip them on and off to clear the windshield.

At ten minutes after five Rachel pulled in her driveway. The curtains were closed in the front just as she had left them when she was over a few days ago. She walked around the outside a bit. Her heart pounded hard in her chest.

“Everything is fine.” She said the words but there wasn’t a single part of her that believed it. Her ears remained alert to the slightest noise and she looked around quickly, watching for the slightest movement.

She opened the screen door and the walnut she had stuck between the doors dropped on the top step. No one had opened the door since she put it in. She slid the key in the door and pushed it open slowly. She went to the punch pad and put in her new code to disarm the alarm. Everything was as she left it. She exhaled and put her things down on the counter just inside the back door.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 12

2009-09-15T07:14:00.001-04:00

Twelve

Logan pulled into the parking lot of a small city park not far from her house. He opened the trunk and lifted out the bag of gifts, wedding gifts, for Rachel. They were going to be one soon. He’d waited patiently each day for her to come home but she never did. It was time to force the issue. The day was overcast with maybe a small drizzle. Aunt Tulla said it was good luck if it rained on your wedding day.

He walked out of the parking lot and over to the sidewalk on the other side. Despite the drizzly day the temperature was warm and he passed a few houses with their windows still open. Family chatter and noise from television came out. Tonight he was going to be one of them. Not in this neighborhood but he would start a new life.

He’d be a good daddy. His little boy would grow to love the structure and discipline he had learned as a boy. He rounded the corner. A police cruiser went up the road. Logan smiled and waved as the officer drove past. He’d want to have all boys. Rachel would give him handsome sons. Maybe four or five then a daughter who would be as beautiful and loyal as Rachel.

He came around the final corner. Rachel’s house was down on the left and Guardian’s house was closer on the right.

“Guardian. How’s my good boy?” He bent over and rubbed the dog’s ears. Guardian responded by licking Logan’s hand.

“Yes, I have a treat for you today.” He pulled a handful of dog biscuits out of his pocket and gave them to the dog one at a time.

“Got a secret for you boy.” Logan leaned in closer. “I’m getting married today. Rachel’s gonna be mine tonight.” The dog sniffed toward Logan, searching for the biscuits. “I know, I’ve said that every night for the last week but this time it’s really going to happen. She’s going to come to me.”

He handed Guardian another dog biscuit. “And you know what that means? This is the last day of being chained up in this awful place.” He rubbed Guardian. It was finally happening. He was going to settle down with the woman of his dreams with his dog on the farm he’d found for them. It was the beginning of his forever.

“Time to go get my bride.” He said and stood. “How do I look?”

Logan continued down the street past Rachel’s house then around to the street that ran behind her house. He went up the driveway of the couple whose house sat directly behind hers. The owners of that house were retired and traveled often. If you looked like you belonged somewhere people never asked you what you were doing. He moved through the trees and into the back yard.

He looked at his watch. It was Four-fifteen. That gave him a solid hour before Rachel would get home. She left at the exact same time every day. He followed Rachel to her parent’s house. After dark Logan would watch her through the windows at their home. Seeing her body through the windows, so close, but being completely unable to touch her made him hunger for her more.

Alpha Mu Epsilon

That was what sustained him. And tonight he would be rewarded. “Childish.” He picked up the walnut that had fallen out of the door. It was one thing to booby-trap a medicine cabinet but the back door was too easy to fix. When Rachel tried to act strong was when she was the most adorable. He unlocked the door and punched in the code. Then he closed the screen door, leaned the walnut against the screen door and closed the storm door.

He took off his shoes, reset the alarm and went to their bedroom. He slipped off his pants and shirt and put them in the hamper. Women didn’t like it when men left their clothes in a pile on the floor. He was going to be her dream man.

He shaved and put on cologne before he put on his black slacks, crisp white shirt and blue tie that he had bought for this occasion. Exercising self-control was going to be the hardest thing about today.

“Agape Makrothumia Egkrateia” He chanted in the mirror. Love, Patience and Self-Control. Now he had proven all three.

“Against these there is no law.” He said chanting the verse that had driven his life.

“You didn’t think I could do it. All you good church people with your wooden pews and starched shirts thought you were better than me.” Those men like Curtis. He snarled at the thought of the man’s name.

He stared at his reflection in the mirror but in his heart he was at home with his Aunt Tulla. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” He was too dumb to understand these higher things of God. She’d made sure he knew that. Just the same she thought maybe some of it would stick.

“Alpha Mu Epsilon stuck.”

And today was this big pay out. He would have his precious Rachel, the perfect number twelve. They would live the perfect life of a romance novel. He handsome and romantic and she beautiful and madly in love with him. He folded the covers back on the bed and walked back down the steps. The overcast sky made the world like one big shadow. He loved the time of shadow. He put his tennis shoes in the bag he had brought along then set his wedding gift for Rachel on the table.

He slipped on the black shoes he’d spit shined and stepped back into the corner of the living room.

Into the shadow.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 13

2009-09-11T07:12:00.001-04:00

Thirteen

“Did you hear Yvonne is coming out?” Rachel poured Curtis a cup of coffee.

“So they reconciled?”

“I think so. Adam wouldn’t give me many details but he looked much happier than when he got here.”

“How could he not?”

“I don’t know why he ever left in the first place. They adore each other.”

“I hope this means they’re moving back to Ohio.” He sipped his coffee. “I’ll have to remember the story of Daniel next time I talk to a friend with relationship issues.”

“I used Daniel another way. It wasn’t about his marriage.”

“Ah. Still, a useful story.” He winked.

She stirred cream in her coffee then spoke without looking up. “I’m going back to my place tonight.”

“Do you think that’s wise?”

“I’ve been here for two weeks. I’m tired of hiding. And now with Yvonne coming back I want the two of them to have as much privacy as possible.”

Curtis spooned a bit of sugar in his coffee as he spoke. “Do you want him to contact you? Going more than a week since he had the rose delivered at work is a good thing.”

“Maybe he isn’t interested?”

“We’re talking about your life, Rachel. There needs to be more than a maybe to put you in harm’s way.”

“Will you at least listen to my plan?” She took her mug in her hands and leaned forward. Curtis nodded his willingness to at least listen. “Thank you.” She sipped her coffee and began.

“I’ll change my security code on my alarm today. After work follow me home. I’ll set it as soon as you leave, I’ll keep my cell by my bedside and I’ll even lock my bedroom door.” She slid him a piece of paper with her new security code written on it and a key to her house at Curtis. His skepticism was palpable. “I’ll be safer at home than I will be here. Mom and dad don’t have an alarm or any of it. He’ll find me.” Her voice cracked and she looked away for a moment.

“Marry me.” Curtis said with urgency.

“What?” She felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her.

“Marry me. I’ll protect you.”

She loosened a bit. He wasn’t serious. She loved the words sounded when he said them though and hoped he might say it a third time. It was too soon to get married but each time he said it it sounded a little better. “Curtis we’ve only been dating for two months.”

“I know and I love you. I want to be with you forever. Marry me.”

She smiled at him. He said it again. “You’re only asking me to marry you so you can be my body guard.”

“And because I love you.”

He smiled. It was hard to tell by his voice if he was serious or not. She knew he was strict about not being alone with a woman over night but getting married so she wouldn’t be alone in her house was ridiculous.“We’ll talk about that in a few months.”He smiled and kissed her. “But we will talk about it.”

“Yes.” Heat surged through Rachel’s body. Immediately her childhood fantasies of being a beautiful bride flooded in. “I need to get to work. Let me grab my things while you finish your coffee.”

“Rachel.” He called behind her. She spun back around to face him. “I’m serious about what I said.”

She softened. “I know.” She went up to her old bedroom on the second floor for her suitcase and work.

When she came back down the steps he helped her take her things out to the car.

“You’re sure about going home tonight?”

“Absolutely.”

“Then I’m staying until dark and I want to see you arm your alarm when I walk out the door.”

“I figured.”

She climbed in the car and drove into work with Curtis behind her. He waited in his car until she was in the office and then waved as he pulled away. She picked up her messages from the front desk and walked back to her office.

“Shannon.” She called down the hall while she fiddled with her key. “I need to talk to you when you get a second.”

Shannon stood in the doorway. “What’s up?”

Rachel smiled. “Come in. Close the door.”

Shannon did as she said and Rachel blurted out. “Curtis asked me to marry him.”

Shannon’s jaw dropped down then she grabbed Rachel’s hand. “Let me see the ring.”

Rachel pulled her hand away. “We’re not engaged.” She laughed. “It’s only been eight weeks.”

“You told him no?” She looked even more surprised than when Rachel said he proposed.

“I don’t know if he was entirely serious. We agreed to talk about it in a couple of months.”

“That’s probably wise but you’d better say yes next time or I’ll snag him up.” She laughed.

“No you won’t. He’s not your type.”

“He wasn’t yours either at first. I think he grows on you.” She pointed down at Rachel’s hand. “I need to get back over to my office. Don’t forget about our conference call at eleven.”

“I won’t. Did you upload the presentation to the website?”

“Of course.”

“As if it was a ridiculous question.”

“It worked out last time.”

“Uh-huh.” Rachel smiled. Shannon turned and went back to her office.

By four the clock hands started dragging. The office was much more constricting now that she had spent a couple weeks away. Rachel looked at the clock only to find it had been less than five minutes since the last time she checked. Tonight she was going to sleep in her own bed for the first time in three weeks. She had gone to the house every few days with Curtis or her mom to check on things, do a little dusting or to get some clothes but she was anxious to sit in her chaise and read a book without mom or dad interrupting.

But would it be the same? Would she be able to relax or would he come back? Fear pricked at her skin.

At four twenty Curtis called.

“Rachel, I just got a last minute appointment for seven. An investment group found a multi-property deal. I have to crunch some numbers for the appointment. Why don’t I follow you to your parent’s house and then after my appointment I’ll take you to your place.”

“No, don’t do that.”

“I don’t want you going back alone.”

“I won’t.”

“Who will go with you?”

“I’ll have Shannon follow. Come over as soon as your appointment is done.”

“I don’t like that idea-.”

“Curtis, I’ll be fine. I want to go home.”

He was hesitant, “If you’re sure?”

“Positive. I’ll see you around eight?”

“It’ll be around then. I’ll call if I’m going to be much later.”

“Good, see you then. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

They hung up the phone and Rachel turned to the spreadsheet on her computer screen. She’d put up a good front but…No, everything would be fine. There was no sign he’d left anything behind.

“You still balancing those accounts down?” Shannon sat down across from Rachel.

“No, if I were balancing I’d be done. There are seven cents I still can’t reconcile.”

“Rachel, I’ll give you the seven cents. Your time is worth more than that.”

Shannon never understood the importance of getting these things to balance, which is why Rachel was in charge of the books. As long as the account was pretty close it was good enough for Shannon. Shannon was the people person, go with the flow. Rachel turned from her computer.

“On your way out?”

“Got the appointment at five-thirty across town, remember?”

How could she have forgotten? The conference call, the arrangement for Shannon to hash out the deal and then review for final sign off next week. Rachel had planned the time line.

“Do you need me to go with you and help?”

“No, go home. Have fun with Curtis. I want to see the ring.” Shannon smiled. “Will he be here soon?”

This wasn’t working out. Maybe she should reconsider, do it another day? Everyone would understand her need to be protected. By her mommy and daddy. No. She was going home and she was going to act like an adult.

“I talked to him right before you came in. He’s leaving the office any time.” It wasn’t a total lie. He was leaving the office. “There are enough people here for me to stay with.”

“Okay then. I’ll call you with the results. I’d better get going. Traffic’s going to be bad enough.”

“Talk to you then.” Rachel turned back to her screen. Everything would be fine. She would drive home and go in the house and set the alarm until Curtis got there.

The alarm.

She had completely forgotten to change the punch code. She dug through her purse and found the card.

“What will your security word be?” The woman on the phone had asked when Rachel finally got through.

“God.”

“God?”

“Yes, my security word will be God.”

The woman’s voice brightened. “He is your deliverer. Good word.”

Rachel gathered her things and walked out of the office to her car. He’s your deliverer. It gave her goose bumps. That was what Carol Adnaw had said at the retreat. It was still eerie for two women to say the exact same thing.

She started home. Carol’s words echoed in her head like a bad song that plays over and over until you find yourself singing it. She’d said something about him being at her side and he’d make a way where there seemed to be no way.

“Vague enough for anyone to interpret the way they needed.” Rachel was impressed with Carol, and she couldn’t deny that feeling of peace at the retreat, but could anyone really know what God was thinking.

Just the same, it would have been nice if it were true. Life would be much easier if there was really a God out there who said “Don’t worry” or “Here is who you should marry” or any number of other things people attributed to God.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 14

2009-09-08T07:11:00.002-04:00

Fourteen

“I want to come in to the office tomorrow and work for a while.” Rachel had already made her peace with the people at the office and their request that she work at home. If she could have a way to escape the roses forever she would do it too. But it had been long enough and Rachel needed to do a few things at the office.

“You want to start coming back every day or you want to come in tomorrow.”

“I want to come in tomorrow but I’d like to gradually work my way back in. I’m not the type who can spend weeks at home.”

“I know. That’s why we work together so well.” It was good to hear Shannon laugh again. It was something she had missed hearing.

“So I’ll come by tomorrow and work a full day and see how it goes. Maybe I’ll come in one day a week and gradually work my way back in to the office.”

“It will be nice to have you around the office again.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 15

2009-09-04T07:09:00.002-04:00

Fifteen

“Rachel, it has been four days. Call him.” Rachel’s mom had moved through sympathy and silence and was at tough love. Rachel had come to predict her mom on things like that. It had been the same when she and Nate broke up. Only then she’d lived in her own apartment and didn’t have to talk to her mom about it every night.

“He told me not to call.”

“Men never mean that.”

Rachel gave her mom a nasty look and went back to the work she had brought home from the office.

“Fine, if you won’t call him I’m gonna to him at church on Sunday.”

“Do what ya gotta do mom.” Rachel said without looking up.

Mercifully her mom gave up and left her alone. She looked at the face of her cell phone to see if there were any missed calls but there was still nothing. He had been upset but she never thought he would take this long to contact her. A day, maybe two, seemed reasonable but she had to prepare her heart for a breakup.

It seemed Christian men were no better than unchristian men. She refused to be sad. No, she was angry at him. What he was doing was far worse than what she did. She didn’t intend to hurt him. In fact, she had not told him so as to spare him hurt. He was trying to hurt her and that wasn’t right.

“Rachel, telephone.” Her mom called from the other room.No one Rachel knew had her parents’ number. They all used her cell phone. Rachel stood up and took the phone from her mom.

“Who is it?” She said after she covered the mouth piece.

“I don’t know.” She turned and walked away.

“Hello?” “Hi Rachel. How have you been?” Curtis’ voice sounded wonderful.

Her muscles relaxed and she hurried into her room and closed the door. “I’ve been busy. How have you been?”

“Busy.” There was a long pause. “I miss you.”

She closed her eyes and leaned against her headboard. “I miss you too.”

“Can I come see you?”

“Now?”

“If you don’t mind.”

“No, come now.”She hung up the phone and ran to her mirror.

“I look awful.” She touched up her makeup and put extra concealer under her eyes to cover the dark circles. Then she took off her sweats and put on jeans and fixed her hair.

She walked across the hall to get her spray gel from the bathroom. “Don’t you look nice? Expecting someone special?” Her mom teased.

“Did you call him?”

“I needed to talk to him about Sunday.”

Rachel sprayed her hair and went out to the living room. Fifteen minutes later Curtis pulled in the driveway. When she saw him Rachel ran out the front door to meet him. They stood in nearly the same spot they had been at the beginning of the week.

Curtis was the first one to speak. “Adam told me about the theological discussion the two of you had.”

“I told him I thought it was ridiculous for two people who love each other not to be together.”

“It is-.”

“Curtis, I’m really sorry.”

He held up his hand. “I overreacted. You we’re right. We weren’t exclusive.”

“But I should have told you.”

“I don’t know that telling me would have made it any easier to hear.”

“Do you forgive me?”

“I love you, Rachel. That means I have to let this go if we have any shot.”

“I guess I figured that a couple of dinners with him weren’t worth losing you.”

“A couple of dinners?” He crinkled his face. “That wasn’t what he said.”

“What did he say happened?”

“He said you…had a…physical relationship.”

“No, we did not.”

He took a step toward her.

“This week has been awful.” She took the last few steps to him and hugged him. “Why didn’t you call?”

“I wasn’t sure how you would respond to me after the way I blew up at you.”

“I almost called you the first night.”

“I wanted to get in touch but…Then your mom called and told me you’d been moping around the house all week.” He smiled at her. “I thought maybe that meant I had a shot of getting you back.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 16

2009-09-01T07:08:00.001-04:00

Sixteen

“Mom tell me what happen. I sorry.” Adam signed.

“Thank you.”

Rachel drew her knees up to her chest and stared off in to space. She had messed things up pretty well by playing her game. For all her talk of living in the moment-.”

“I here if need talk.” Adam walked over and sat next to Rachel on the edge of her bed.

“I’d rather talk Yvonne.” She signed back.

He turned and swiped away a tear with his thumb. “I not want talk about Yvonne.”

“Why not?” He didn’t have an answer. “Adam, you Yvonne love together. You need bring wife here. Live Ohio again.”

“I need know what God want.”

“You think God want you here Yvonne there?” She was signing so fast her hands made smacking sounds. “You think God want Yvonne cry alone California and you sad Ohio?”

He stood up and faced her. “You not believe God real. Why you think God talk you about me, Yvonne.”

“I don’t know God real or no real but I know story Daniel and Lions.”

“What you talk about?”

“That king put Daniel with Lions but king know is wrong. He not believe in God but he know Daniel good man. Can see Daniel should not die. He pray, God answer.”

“That nothing about my problem.”

“Yes, is.” Rachel knew what she was trying to say but she didn’t have all those Bible verses her brother would listen to. She knew a few stories about Jesus and the one about Daniel. That was her whole arsenal. What she did know is that Adam and Yvonne should be together.

“I not need believe in God know you married, you want Ohio, Yvonne want live Ohio. Maybe God not always tell you do stuff you don’t like. Maybe he also tell you do things he know you want do.”

“I think about what you say.” He turned and walked out. Rachel lifted her cell phone out of her purse and scrolled down to Curtis’ cell number. She couldn’t call him yet. He didn’t want to talk to her but she needed to see his face. She clicked “Ok” on the number and the small photo she snapped of him recently popped up.

Tears rolled down her face. She loved him so bad it hurt. Exactly where she didn’t want to be. The phone face dimmed and she opened and closed to reset then scrolled back down and brought up his picture again.

The holes he’d pierced in the armor around her heart were letting feelings she didn’t want to have come in.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 17

2009-08-28T07:07:00.001-04:00

Seventeen

“Here let me help you carry those.” Curtis took the books out of Rachel’s arms and followed her up the walk to her parents’ house. She unlocked the door, which was always locked since she came to live with them, and stepped in the house.

The room smelled like onions, garlic and meat. A pot roast was cooking and Rachel’s stomach growled.

“Do you mind taking those on up to my room?” She asked Curtis.

“No, lead the way.”

They walked up the steps and put her books down then walked down through the living room to the kitchen. The crock pot was on the counter but her parents weren’t there.

“They must have gone to do some running before I got home.” She looked back at Curtis.

“It’s fine. I’m not in a rush to get home.” He said.

“You’re staying for dinner right?” She slid her arm around his waist and leaned in to him.

“Of course.”

Curtis’ phone vibrated on his hip.

“You need to get that?”

He looked down. “Yes, it’s business.” He stepped out of the kitchen into the living room. “Hello Drew.”

Rachel took a few steps toward the doorway to listen to the conversation. She didn’t realize Drew and Curtis even knew each other.

“No it’s not a problem at all. I’m at my girlfriend’s parent’s house.” Curtis said.

There was a short pause.

“No, I didn’t get that paperwork. When did you fax it over?”

Another short pause.

“When did they want to close?” Pause. “That soon? I’m not sure if I can get that done in time or not. Let me see what I can get worked out from here and I’ll call you.” Curtis stopped for a moment. “Wait, let me ask Rachel something.”

He walked in kitchen. Rachel jumped away from the door where she was listening and opened the cupboard closest to her.

“Do you have a fax here?” He asked with his finger over the phone mouthpiece.

“No but I have a fax to email. You fax it to the number and it sends to my email. I can print it in .pdf.”

“Great thanks.” Curtis walked back to the living room then called back. “What’s the number?”

She grabbed a business card out and gave it to him. “It’s right there on my card.”

He nodded his head and she walked back in the other room. What a horrible time to have Drew call. She walked to the cupboard and pulled down four plates. She had no ideas they worked together on anything but her house. Curtis never mentioned Drew. Why would he? He hadn’t mentioned other co-workers before either. That meant she had to tell Curtis what happened with Drew.

She snuck back to the doorway.

“You remember the lady we first worked together with? Rachel. That’s my girlfriend.”

A short pause.“

A couple of months off and on.”

Drew don’t you dare say anything.

“Yes she is great. She has a fax I can use. Here is the number.”

A short pause.

“Oh you do?”

A longer pause.

“When?” Curtis’ footsteps in the other room stopped. Rachel tried not to breathe. “No, I didn’t know that.”

A long pause.

“Oh good you’re getting everything around.” Rachel spun around. Her mom was standing inside the kitchen. “I was going through some boxes in the basement and heard you two come in but you know what it’s like when you’re almost done with a project.”

Rachel heard footsteps behind her and she turned. Curtis was red-faced. “I won’t be staying for dinner tonight.” He focused on Rachel.

“Why not?” Her mom asked.

He continued to look at Rachel. “I just had a call from one of the real estate agents I work with. They have a last minute deal they need worked up for a closing.”

“Curtis.” Rachel stepped to him.

“Don’t.” He held up his hand. “Don’t, all right? I need some time to process all this.”

“But it’s-”

“I’ll call you in a couple of days.” He turned and walked out of the kitchen, through the living room and out the front door. She heard the door close hard and her feet unstuck from the floor. She scurried through the house and out the front door after him.

“Curtis please.”

“What Rachel? What do you want?” He spun around and faced her.

“I was going to tell you?”

He shook his head and looked away.

“I was but we just got serious and I didn’t want to mess anything up.”

“Rachel, I’ve been serious with you all along.”

“I’m sorry.” She pleaded with him.

“Maybe we are too different to make this work.”

“No, we really aren’t.” She reached out and took his hand. “I love you Curtis.”

“I love you too but I can’t have a relationship based on lies.”

“I never lied.”

He pulled his hand away. “I can’t have one based on half-truths either. I have to be able to trust you, Rachel.”

“You can trust me.”

He walked to his car and before climbing in he called back. “I’ll get in touch with you in a few days. Don’t call me until then. I need to think.”

She looked back at her parents’ house. His engine roared as he backed up and sped down the road. Through the corner of her left eye she saw his tail lights move away from her. Slowly she made her way back up into the house then straight to her bedroom. She didn’t much feel like eating.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 18

2009-08-25T07:04:00.001-04:00

Eighteen

Someone tapped gently on Rachel’s office door. She looked up from the papers she was packing up as Curtis stuck his head in the door. He stepped in and closed the door behind him. “How are you holding up?” He reached for her hand.

“I hate feeling like a burden to everyone.”

“You’re not a burden. Why would you say something like that?” He touched her cheek with his fingers.

“Because I am. You have to follow me, I live with my parents and everyone in this office-.”

“We’ve talked about this.”

“I know.” She looked away from him. “I understand your point. I didn’t do anything to deserve this.”

“And it is not you putting people out. It is this man.”

She looked back at him. Even something as vague as this man made her stomach do flip-flops. “But it is still my life that is causing this mess.”

“What can I do to make you feel better?” He scooted his chair closer to her.

“I don’t know. There are so many things on my mind right now.”

“Besides the flowers?”

She hesitated. This wasn’t the time to discuss their relationship. Curtis had changed his life and schedule to be her daily escort. There was no telling how many appointments he’d not scheduled or canceled to be able to help her. Whenever she asked he told her he’d handled it and not to worry.

“Rachel?”

She looked up at him.

“You faded out there for a second. What’s wrong?”

She took a deep breath. “Where do you see us going?”

“In our relationship?”

She nodded her head.“I don’t know yet. What about you?”

“I’m not sure. It feels like things are turning serious but.” She stopped. “I know you love me.”

“But?” He looked her in the eye and squeezed her hand.

“But there is the religion thing.” She’d said it. As much as she worried about having this conversation she couldn’t bear to be any more in love with him and then lose him.

“The religion thing.” He said as if finding the piece to a puzzle.

“Yes. I know it’s a big deal.”

“Yes, it is.” He nodded.

“So, what about it? I don’t know that I am willing to jump on board with your beliefs, although with all that’s been happening I wish there was a God who would protect me.” Since the retreat she had more than once prayed prayers that started with if you are real God…

“And what could make you take the leap from wishing he were real to believing he were real?” He let go of her hand and sat down in the chair next to him.

“I don’t know. I’ve never really thought about it.”

“You know the Bible says faith is the proof of things we don’t see.”

Rachel looked up at the ceiling to gather her thoughts before she answered. “Yes, so if only I had faith then I would have faith.”

“It’s the best I have for you right now.”

“Wait a minute.” She stopped packing for a moment and looked square at Curtis. “If you believe the Bible then why are you so freaked out about this guy hurting me?” It was easy to tell people how much they should believe stuff but then walk away and not apply it to your own life.

The room was silent for a long moment. “The best answer I have for you is we live in a fallen world. Evil things happen to wonderful people.” His voice cracked as he spoke. “What I can tell you is that the Bible tells me no matter what happens God will make things work out for good for people who love and obey God.”

He cleared his throat again before continuing. “That is why I continue to pray that you will allow Him in your heart. It is the best protection I can give you. That is using the power of God to protect you.” He smiled. “And until that happens then I will do the next best thing and I will love and protect you in my strength.”

That answer made sense. Curtis was doing the best thing he could do in his own estimation. “But can you see this relationship becoming permanent if I don’t become a Christian?”

“I try not to think about it.”

“Why?”

“Because I love you and I want us to have a future.” He cleared his throat. “Or as you put it ‘become permanent’.”

“And we won’t have one if I don’t accept your belief system.” It was a statement, not a question.

“All I can tell you is I love you and today I’m going to follow you to your parents house. Then after we have dinner together I am going to go home. I will pray for you before I go to bed. In the morning I’ll pray for you again.” He smiled and took both of her hands in his. “That’s enough for me to think about. Focus on today’s problems because tomorrow will have enough of its own.”

While Rachel was mulling over his answer someone knocked on her office door.

“Come in.” She said loud enough for them to hear.

The receptionist stepped in the office. “You have a delivery.” Then she quickly walked out. Word must have spread pretty fast that Rachel knew all about the office’s little meeting. A young man stepped around the corner and handed Rachel a clip board with an X on it. Rachel signed her name and he handed her the long cardboard box.

“Thank you.” She said. He nodded and walked out.

“Who is it from?” Curtis asked looking at the address label.

“I’m not sure. There is a typed P.O. box then my work address.” She cut through the tape. “It’s light. Probably a poster for one of the marketing campaigns.” She turned the tube sideways and a rose slid out with a piece of paper. She dropped the box to the floor and Curtis snatched it up.

“What does it say?” He reached for the slip of paper hooked to the rose.

“Don’t touch it.” She put her hands up to block him. With her ink pen and letter opener she pulled the folded paper open.

“See you later beautiful.” Rachel whispered.

Without a word Curtis bolted out her office door. Rachel followed him as far as the front desk but he was chasing down the delivery boy in the parking lot.

“Call the police. Tell them the Fratboy killer just contacted me again.” Rachel said to the woman at the receptionist desk. Outside Curtis was yelling at the man who had delivered the box.

“I’ve called the police.” She said when they walked back in the office.

“He says some guy approached him on campus and gave him $30 and asked him to surprise his girl friend.”

“Lady, I had nothing to do with the guy. I was trying to be nice-.”

Rachel looked at him shocked. “Do you make it a habit to deliver packages from strangers on campus? Don’t you know there could have been a bomb in there?”

The young man couldn’t have been more than nineteen or twenty. He kept his eyes down and glanced up as he spoke. “He wasn’t a total stranger. I pass him a few times a week on my way to English. We smile and nod at each other.”

“Do you know his name?”

“No.”

“The police will be here soon.”

“The police.” He shot his eyes open wide and looked between Curtis and Rachel.

“They’re going to want you to give them a description.” Curtis said, taking over the conversation.

“I’m not in trouble am I?”

“I don’t think so.”

Shannon came out and looked at the group of them. “What happened?”

One of the people leaned over and whispered “The stalker sent a rose to Rachel. This guy delivered it.”

Rachel walked over to Shannon to finish. “The note said he’d see me soon.”

Shannon threw her arms around Rachel. “If he thinks he’s coming then we’ll be waiting. None of us are going to let him hurt you.”

Rachel nodded but didn’t say a word.

“I mean it Rachel. We’re going to beat this guy.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 3 Chapter 19

2009-08-21T07:03:00.003-04:00

Nineteen

“Are you asleep?” Rachel sat up quickly and looked around. Shannon stood in the doorway to her office with a stack of folders and a well-dressed older man. She turned to the man. “Would you excuse me for a moment please?”

He looked at Rachel. “Certainly.” Then stepped back for Shannon to close the door.

Rachel pushed a few papers around her desk. “I’m sorry. I was going over the number for-.”

“Do you know who that man is?” Shannon said in a low growl

“Uh…Yes, I do…She lifted a folder to find her calendar. She remembered the two of them talking about an appointment today. Where was her calendar? She always kept it next to her keyboard. Her wrist his something hard which was followed by a clank on the desk.

“Rachel!”

The word registered at nearly the same moment Hot coffee began to pour over the edge of the desk and on to her lap. She jumped up when the hot liquid hit her. Shannon grabbed papers off of the desk and started spreading them across the floor.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t even see it there.”

Shannon didn’t say a word. She went out the door and appeared a few moments later with a towel.

“Here.”

“Thanks.” Rachel said in a near whisper. She sopped up coffee from the papers that remained on the desk. “Found my calendar.”

“That’s nice.” Shannon laid down the few papers left in her hand. “Let’s go meet in my office.”

Rachel followed without a word.“

Clean yourself up first.”

She looked down at the brown splatter that covered the thighs of her khaki pants and the edge of her salmon colored silk blouse. Paper towels in the bathroom were not going to fix this. She pushed the bathroom door open and grabbed a handful of papers towels. The coffee went across her thighs and around to the back of her legs. She spun to look in the full length mirror then walked out. These were beyond salvageable, even for her dry cleaner.

“I’m sorry.” Rachel walked in the meeting and sat in a chair next to Shannon. The older man she’d seen before spilling coffee everywhere was seated in a chair across from Shannon. He turned when she entered and offered a nod in greeting.

“It’s fine. Shannon here was outlining your plans for the mentorship program with our school.” The older man, whose name Rachel still didn’t know, said.

“I was telling Mr. Fischer about our mentorship programs with the high school.”

“We have one of the best business mentorship programs in the area.” Rachel had a passion for working with the high school juniors and seniors. They came ready to learn about the business and having an opportunity to put something positive in their life, even with the additional work, was a highlight of Rachel’s year.

“Shannon showed me a bit. It is very impressive.”

“Here are some testimonials from other principals and teachers.” She handed across a three ring binder. “And these are some letters from student who have gone through our program.”

He took the folders and flipped through the pages without reading any of them.

“I have to be honest ladies.” He placed the binder in front of him on Shannon’s desk. “You don’t have to convince me your program is among the best. I have spoken to a number of my colleagues leading up to this meeting. What concerns me is the reports we’ve heard that the office may not be fully safe.”

“The students here are never in jeopardy-.” Rachel said.

Mr. Fischer looked at Rachel and the stain on her pants. “The news reports are giving another story and to be quite honest many of the parents have shared with me their reluctance to allow their students to participate in an internship program affiliated with your company until a few of those issues are resolved.”

Shannon stepped in and tried to convince him everything was safe but one look at Rachel would tell anyone that there were problems. Coffee stained, puffy-eyed, scatter-brained Rachel was not a vote of confidence.

They shook hands and he left.

“Well, that went very well.” Rachel said being sarcastic after Shannon had closed the door.

“I’m really glad you can find humor in this.”

“So what else am I going to do>”

“I don’t know Rachel but something’s gotta happen. We don’t have the budget to hire the staff we need to replace the mentorship program.”

“It’ll get along fine.”

“The work of six part-time students? We can’t spread that around to everyone else. We’re already running on fumes around here trying to make up for the work you can’t do and losing the half-day when the cops were fingerprinting.”

“So this is my fault?” Rachel broke in.

“It may not be your fault but you’re the cause of all this.”

“All of this?”

Shannon scooped a spreadsheet off of her desk. “Have you even looked at the numbers this month?”

“I was working on them when you came-.”

“Don’t bother. I ran the books.”

Shannon shoved the sheet of paper in Rachel’s hands. She didn’t need to look at what it said. She saw the four columns that flashed red.

“We’re running this business out of our reserves and there isn’t much there.” Shannon yelled.

“What do you want me to do about it?” Rachel tossed the paper back to Shannon’s desk. It floated, skitted the top and fell to the floor.

“We think-.”

“We? Who is we?”

“The accountant, some of the staff and I think it might be a good idea if you became a silent partner for a little while. Only until this blows over.”

“Am I being fired from my own company?”

“No, you can work from home. We need you to not come to the office until these things blow over and this guy gets caught.” Shannon reached for Rachel’s arm. She jerked back. The whole office wanted her out.

“Fine. I’m out.” She jerked the door open, stomped in to her office and slammed the door. Something crunched under her and she looked down. She was standing on some of the wet papers Shannon had spread out when Rachel spilled her coffee. She lifted her foot and the paper clung to her shoe. Enough was enough, she ripped the paper off the bottom of her shoe, jumped over the rest and called Curtis.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 44

2009-08-18T07:01:00.001-04:00

Forty-four

At around nine p.m. Rachel walked back to the room with her mom.

“Mom, I’m going home.”

“Why?” She spun and looked at Rachel. Her eyes held more concern than disappointment. Mom was convinced that Rachel had been touched by God. She had told Rachel as much once she finished her conversation with Carol Adnaw.

“This has been a lot for me to process. I think I need to be alone for a little bit.” She needed to go home and face her fears. The constant fear she lived under now seemed ridiculous from the outside. A twinge of fear rattled around but she pushed it down with every logical explanation against what she was feeling.

“I’ll try to be back in the morning but there is something I have to do tonight.” She wanted to reassure her mom that she wasn’t trying to skip out on their women’s retreat. Her mom raised a skeptical eyebrow at Rachel.

“How ‘bout this. I’ll grab my toothbrush and deodorant and leave everything else here. I’ll get it when I come back in the morning for the rest of the conference.

Her mom’s face softened, “All right. I’ll see you in the morning then. They’re starting breakfast at eight.”

“I’ll be here.” Rachel hugged her mom, grabbed the cosmetic bag from her suitcase and headed straight for her car.

The door thudded behind her and threw her into darkness. Only the few security lights in the parking lot and dim solar lights casting circles of yellow along the sidewalk invaded its domain. The evening air clung to Rachel’s arms. Behind her something scraped and she let out a small squeal until she saw the leaf skitter past her on the sidewalk.

She paused for a moment and looked back at the door to the lodge. What was she really trying to prove by going home? She took a step toward the lodge trying to come up with a reason for her change of heart.

“No.” Her voice echoed from the door and briefly stopped the chatter of crickets. She jammed her hand in her purse to retrieve her keys and walked along, her boots clanking out hard on the sidewalk.

He could have followed her.

She started walking faster to her car. It would take longer to get back to the lodge then to get in her drivers seat. She pushed the button to unlock the doors. The dome light flooded the interior. She opened the door, got inside and locked it behind her in one fluid motion. She turned her dome light off and let her eyes adjust again to the darkness.

There were no moving forms, no shadows approaching. She didn’t feel any less vulnerable alone in this locked car than she had alone on the dark sidewalk. But now she was committed to going home. She stuck her key in the ignition and let the car idle for a few minutes playing the slide show in her head again. Each rose and where she had found it didn’t paralyze her with fear but neither did she feel as invincible as she had inside the lodge.

She drove down the winding tree-lined road that would take her back out to triangle park. Overhead the trees sliced lines across the moon. Carol had assured her that everything was going to be fine. She had said she’d be protected. However, what she said was contingent upon God existing the way they believed. If they were wrong there was no protection.

A tear slid down her cheek. The only way she had a promise that she was going to be safe was if her mom was right about God and Jesus. If Rachel was right she could be driving home to her death. The Fratboy would get her.

She had tried denial, anger and tears and nothing had worked. She wanted Carol to be right. At least this time.

“God if you’re out there give me the faith to believe what I’ve heard is true.”

She came to the end of the wooded area and made the jog to Triangle park. Her breathing slowed a bit. The streets were empty most of the way home. Nine o’ clock on a Friday night it seemed people were at their destinations.

She turned down her road and drove slowly along. The street was deserted except for a man petting the brown dog a few doors down from her house. Her house was dimly lit with the few lamps she’d left on with the timer. She pulled up her driveway and around to the back of the house.

“I’m going to be fine.” She said as she took deliberate strides to her back door. She denied the terror digging its icy fingers in her body.

“I’m going to be fine.” She repeated with emphasis. The deadbolt clicked as she turned the key and pushed the door open. The clock ticked out the second and she pushed the door shut behind her.

The blinking red light on her answering machine caught her attention. She pushed the play button and removed her shoes.

“Rachel this is Curtis. Welcome home. I wanted to let you know I’ve been praying for you tonight. I miss you. Call me when you get home.” The machine beeped at the end of his message.

“I thought I left more lights on.” Her voice boomed in the silence of the house. She stepped in the living room and turned on the television eager to hear a voice to silence the one in her head. It boomed on and made her jump. She fumbled with the volume down on the remote. Maybe it had been a mistake to come back here. The women at the retreat were wonderful, not judgmental at all. What did she have to prove by coming back to the house? That she wasn’t scared.

By coming home she had proven that the Frat boy had complete control over her. She was happy at the retreat and she wanted to leave that to prove that he didn’t control her. She plopped down on the couch.

She was home and it was now almost nine thirty she decided to order a movie on pay-per-viewher cable, throw on her pajamas and enjoy the rest of her evening. She flipped on the dining room light on her way to the steps. The candlesticks in the middle of the table were gone and in its place was her mail and a single white rose.

The icy fingers of terror grabbed her and squeezed. She stood planted with her eyes fixed on the flower. She had been gone for only three hours.

He could be here now.

Her feet gave way and she ran for the kitchen. She dialed Curtis and grabbed a knife out of the kitchen drawer.

“Hi, I hadn’t expected to hear from you tonight.”

“He’s been here.” She blurted out. “Please come.”

“Who?” Curtis’ voice was firm. “Rachel, who was there.”

“Him. He’s been here.” She paced in a five-foot section of her kitchen and adjusted her grip on the knife.

“I’m getting in my car now. Rachel, hang up and call the police.”

“Curtis, don’t hang up please.”

“Rachel, if someone is there you need to hang up and call the police now.”

“Please. I can’t be alone.”

“Honey, I’m coming but I won’t be there for ten or fifteen minutes. Please hang up and call the police.”

She grabbed her home phone and balanced the cell on her shoulder. “Curtis, don’t hang up. I’m calling the police with the land line. She tried to dial but couldn’t balance and the knife fell from her hand. She jumped and dropped the cell. The knife skittered across the floor and hit the wall blade first.

“Are you still there?” She yelled then grabbed the phone tight against her ear.

“Yes, are you okay?”

“I dropped the phone.”

“Call the police Rachel. Set the cell on the counter. I won’t hang up but call 9-1-1 now.”

She bent down for the knife and took it to the corner of her kitchen then set the phone and the knife beside her and dialed. She told the dispatcher what had happened.

“We have a patrol in your area, hold the line.”

Rachel picked up the cell, “They have someone close by.”

“Good, don’t talk to me. Talk to them.” Curtis said, sounding much calmer.

Rachel’s breathing slowed.

“Ma’am?” The dispatcher said.

“Yes. I’m here.”

“We have a car less than a mile from your home. I need you to stay on the line until he arrives.”

“Okay.”

Red and blue flashed in her living room when the car pulled in the driveway. “Curtis, the police are here. I’m going to hang up.”

“I’ll be there soon. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Rachel said and flipped the phone shut.

“Ma’am, I’ve had radio contact. That is our patrol car. It is safe for you to hang up with me. They will take care of everything.”

“Thank you.” Rachel pushed the phone off and let the officer in the front door.

She gave him the name of the detective who had been working her case and told him about the evening.

“Rachel.” Curtis burst in the front door.

“Sir.” The officer took a step toward Curtis.

“It’s okay. He’s my boyfriend.”

The officer relaxed. “And you did not come to her house today and do this?” He asked and scratched something on a notepad.

“No I didn’t.” Curtis said pulling Rachel against him. “She was supposed to be gone until tomorrow.”

The officer turned to Rachel, “Who else knew you were going to be out of town?”

“A few people in the office. But I have an alarm.” She pointed to the alarm panel on the wall.

“Who has your code?”“My mom and I but I was with my mom.”

He turned to Curtis. “Does he have it?”

“No.” Curtis answered.

“Just a moment.” The officer took a couple of steps away from the two of them and spoke into the radio clipped to his shoulder.

Curtis walked Rachel into the kitchen away from the officer. “It’s going to fine. We’ll find out who broke in.” He pushed her hair behind her ear as he spoke. “I want you to stay at your parent’s house until this blows over. I don’t want you to be alone.”

“Can’t I stay with you?” She didn’t want to be alone either but running to mommy and daddy’s house meant the Frat Boy was winning.

Curtis hesitated for a moment. “I would love to have you there but I don’t think that’s best right now. I’ll come by the office and follow you to your parent’s house every evening. You don’t have to be afraid.”

“But I don’t want my mom to worry.”

“Rachel” He tilted her chin up so she was looking straight in his eyes. “I’m not worried about that. I want you safe.” His voice was firm. “I love you, Rachel. I can’t have anything happen to you.”

The words ignited a fire in her chest and made her completely unable to respond. She reached over and wrapped her arms around him. Going to Mom and Dad’s house would put her closer to him and would work fine for the time being.“

Curtis, I can’t keep running away.” She stepped back to face him. “If I do, this will never stop.”

“Rachel, this man is crazy, not a genius.”

“But he. . .”

“But he never comes when other people are around. He only wants to scare you.”

“He came when you were over the other night.”

Curtis’ mouth dropped open and he took a step back. “Did you see him here?”

“No, when you left I went out to the porch to put a letter in the mailbox and there was a rose.”

“How do you know he hadn’t left it earlier?”

“Because I got the mail before you came.”

His face went ashen and he stared past Rachel.

“Ma’am?” The officer stepped into the kitchen.

“Yes?”

“The detectives will be here shortly. Did you touch anything on the table when you got home?”

“No way.” She shook her head for emphasis.

He nodded and stepped back in the other room and she looked over at Curtis.

“Rachel, I still want you with your parents unless you can think of some place else safer. I need to know you’re safe.”

She looked down.

Curtis touched her arm and she looked back up at him. “How long has this been going on?”

“Since around the time you and I met.”

He crinkled his eyebrows and raised his voice slightly. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“At first I thought maybe it was you.”

“Breaking in your house?” His voice rose slightly higher.

“No, the first couple of roses were sitting by my car or at the office.”

“How many have you gotten?”

“Ten.”

“Ten?” He lowered his voice a bit. “You’ve had this happen ten times and this is the first you’ve told anyone?”

“No, Shannon knew.”

“You’ve had this happen ten times and this is the first you’ve told me.” It sounded like hurt.

“I didn’t want to.”

“It’s…I understand. So then?”

“When I found the one at the office in my desk we let the police know.” She looked out at the officer in the other room. He didn’t seem to be doing anything but waiting. “They increased patrols in my neighborhood a few weeks ago.”

“Lot of good that did.” Curtis shook his head. He ran his fingers through his short blond hair and turned his face up to the ceiling. “Okay God, now what.” He sounded as if her were talking to someone in the room with him.

“He hasn’t tried to contact me or get near me. I think if I stay with my parents like you said and always have someone with me for a while it will give the police time to try to find him.”

Curtis nodded his head and pulled her to his chest. “I am so sorry I didn’t protect you.” He squeezed her tight.

“Ma’am? The detectives are here.” The officer said.

“You ready to go talk to him?” Curtis pushed a bit of hair back from her face.

She nodded and they walked in to the other room.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 43

2009-08-14T08:01:00.002-04:00

Forty-three

Rachel nibbled at a cheese Danish from the snack table and waited for Carol. Over and over she had played the scenes of the roses and each time marveled that there was no longer any fear there.

“Thank you for waiting.” Carol said and sat down.

“No problem.” Rachel pushed her Danish to the side and faced Carol.

“What did you think of tonight.”

“It wasn’t what I expected.” Rachel reached into her bag to retrieve her notes. “But it was fine.”

Carol tore off a piece of a donut and popped it in her mouth. She chewed slowly for a moment then smiled and faced Rachel head-on. “I think you got exactly what you were looking for tonight.”

Rachel paused for a long moment then, realized she was staring and looked away. In a way she had. She felt completely safe for the first time in a long time. But that’s not what Carol meant. Carol was just like every other religious person. She was looking for Rachel to get saved.

“I can tell by the look on your face you didn’t like my response.” Carol pushed aside the donut she’d been munching on and looked right at Rachel. “It’s not my place to pry but what did bring you here tonight Rachel?”

Rachel considered the question for a moment. She’d come here to escape the fear and to impress a guy. “I came because I’ve followed your career and was eager to meet you.”

“That could be why you came here but that is not why you’re here tonight.”

“Then why am I here?” Rachel recoiled, shocked at her own tone.

“I don’t believe in coincidence. If I’m wrong and you haven’t yet found what you’re looking for, you’ll find it soon.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 42

2009-08-11T07:57:00.002-04:00

Forty-two

Rachel set aside the coffee and opted to chew on the small red straw she’d used to stir with. Women of various ages were walking back and forth down rows of folding chairs. Coats, books, and purses were strewn about to hold a person’s seat. She wondered how many of them realized the importance of tonight.

It seemed tonight Rachel was in the right place at the right time. Not only would she get to hear an icon of women’s business speak, but that same woman wanted to sit down and chat with her after the program. Carol had no way of knowing that Rachel was a business woman and that she had come only to hear Carol speak.

The room held nearly fifteen tables, given Rachel’s best guess. Then each table had two to six women. Most of the women looked like they were Rachel’s age possibly a bit younger. The people her mom’s age were the minority this weekend. More than likely those younger women were all there for the same reason Rachel was.

A woman in crisp black slacks and lavender top stepped up to the microphone on the small platform in one corner of the room.

“Could I have everyone’s attention please?” The buzzing chatter lessened but it took the woman saying it a second time before the room got totally quiet.

She went through the regular greetings and welcomes then introduced the speakers. According to what the woman said there was one woman before Carol then a few announcements after Carol.

“But first ladies let’s stand up and praise the Lord for bringing us here tonight.” The women stood up and began applauding. Rachel looked around and she clapped.

Someone grabbed her shoulders from behind and Rachel spun around.

“Mind if I sit with you?” Rachel’s mom smiled and pointed to the chair Carol had been in.

“Go ahead. You scared the living daylights out of me.”

“Sorry.” She smiled as she passed then turned to face the stage and clapped with everyone else until the room got quiet again.

The announcer continued. “We’re going to open with a word of prayer then move right into praise and worship. If you look in our conference folders you’ll see the words to the songs and we’ll also have them up here on the overhead projector. Let’s prepare to enter worship.”

She stepped away and a woman with brown hair, blue jeans and a black sequin top stepped forward. In a booming voice she said, “You ready to praise Jesus?”

The room erupted in applause, whistles and women screaming yes. It was more like being at a college football game than a church conference. Rachel moved her lips to the first song and cut out for a bathroom break during the second. The third song was slowly playing and women were swaying to the rhythm when she got back. The lead vocalist was humming and periodically saying “Thank you Jesus” while the three men who made up the musical accompaniment and back-up singers continued softly.

Rachel wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do. Her mom had her hands folded with a Mona Lisa smile on her upturned face. She gently swayed from side to side oblivious to anyone around her.

Rachel fidgeted with her hands and finally crossed her arms and closed her eyes so no one would notice how bored she was. She opened her eyes up after a few moments and glanced down at the lyrics in her folder. This was the last song and it seemed to be that they were going to hold the last note until every woman in the room was in a hypnotic trance. Shouldn’t be too long, only Rachel and two other women didn’t appear to feel the compulsion to sway.

The music ended and the first speaker stood. The woman talked about church and life as a mother of three preschoolers. Rachel drew pictures of trees and a dog that ended up looking more like a pumpkin while the woman spoke.

“And now ladies join with me in introducing Mrs. Carol Adnaw.” The MC stepped back and clapped. Carol approached the lectern and smiled, nodding her head in recognition of the applause. Rachel slapped her hands over and over in the first genuine enthusiasm since the program began.

“Everyone please sit down.” Carol paused and women sat down and scooted chairs on the hard floor. “Thank you so much for having me here.” She smiled and opened a portfolio pad. “My topic for tonight is minding our business.”

Rachel wrote the title on the first page of the tablet she had brought for notes.

Carol continued, “First Thessalonians four verse eleven and twelve in the Amplified Bible says ‘Make it your ambition and definitely endeavor to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, so that you may bear yourselves becomingly and be correct and honorable and command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] and having need of nothing.’ Ladies how many of you are commanding the respect from the outside world?”

Rachel commanded respect in her field. There were many who sought her for advice. She scanned the room and didn’t see a single hand go up so she left hers down as well.

Carol leaned forward, “Then ladies, you are disobeying God.”

Rachel noted a few nervous laughs and the shuffling of a few bottoms in their seats.

“Paul wrote this letter to the people of Thessalonica and told them that the way the world would respect us would be honorable, live quietly and peacefully and living without lack.”

Carol scanned the room. Rachel often tried not to be overly ambitious. To Rachel lack of ambition was laziness, not some great virtue.

Carol smiled and flipped the pages in her Bible. She stepped away and walked from one side of the stage to the other, a distance of a little over eight feet Rachel was guessing, with her floppy Bible laying open. “God’s word also tells us that God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].”

Rachel noted Carol’s emphasis on the word abundance. This time about half the room clapped.

“I’m not here tonight to debate whether poverty is a virtue or a curse. I am also not here to debate rich men going through needles and poor people being more spiritual. I am here to talk to you tonight about minding our business. That business is being a representation of Christ to a dying world that needs desperately to feel his love.”

The room erupted in applause and cheers with about twelve women standing by Rachel’s count. Maybe one or two more. She shuffled a little in her chair. She hoped Carol wasn’t upset to have so few respond to her.

Carol walked back to the lectern and set her Bible down. “Ladies, for a long time I was caught between two worlds. I grew up in church with a mom and dad who were good people that took me to Sunday morning service most Sunday mornings. My parents were comfortable, but not rich, when I was a child. My first memories of church were good ones. We learned about Jesus and his miracles, the parables and the Beatitudes. Then later we learned about Daniel and the three boys in the fiery furnace. It was like bedtime stories every week. They were beautiful tales of wonderful characters but they had very little to do with my everyday life.”

Rachel’s childhood flashed through her mind. Her life had been so much like Carol’s. The hair on her arms stood up as if they too understood what a great woman Carol was.

Carol continued. “I do remember the church I grew up in told me that if I aspired for worldly success I was sinning. ‘Pride commeth before the fall.’ I was told whenever I revealed my desire to be a famous person. So I learned to keep my dreams out of church and to give the right answers to my teachers’ questions.”

“As I moved into high school my dreams were firmly in place. I knew that Business was the best route to live the affluent lifestyle I craved. I had been taught by society that if I believed in God I was naïve and brainwashed. Since the world was going to give me the future I wanted, rather than the life of lack championed by my Sunday school teacher, I decided that maybe I had outgrown going to church.” Rachel leaned back and folded her arms. Hopefully her mom was paying attention. Maybe now she’d understand why Rachel didn’t need the church and its rules.

“My parents accepted my decision and ended up joining me at home on Sunday mornings. We decided the time together was more important than going to a church building. After all, God has a piece of himself in each one of us so a group of three was just as much church as a group of three hundred.”

“When I moved on to college I pursued my interests and sought to prove to everyone that I had it in me to be famous. I sought to please no one but myself and did what it took to graduate summa cum laude from the business school at my university. When I graduated I stepped immediately in to a job with a six figure salary and every material thing I had thought I wanted. Money was not an issue.” She stopped and focused on a woman on the front row. “But it was an empty and lonely life. After eight years of it I was more depressed and surrounded by more stuff then I ever thought I wanted. Worse still, no one was interested in my pain. What does a rich young woman have to be sad about?”

Plenty. The roses, each one, surged in to Rachel’s mind. Typical church stuff, bashing people who tried to be and do something bigger. Carol droned on about some of her problems but Rachel saw only the roses and the heartbreak of Nate’s betrayal. She looked around at this group of women all pretending their life was in order. She knew none of them were as together as they put on. All of them hid secrets. Rachel wasn’t a hypocrite. She lived her life in the open and celebrated the beauty of life without judgment.

Carol lifted the floppy red Bible up over her head and waved it from side to side. “And I read it.” She lowered the Bible on to the lectern. “It said God made me with passions and desires to be used to serve him. He gifted me in marketing. I didn’t need to feel guilt over my success, but neither should I have self-centered pride.”

Carol leaned on her elbows and put her fingers to her lips as if deep in thought. “When I began to work my business as if God owned it, God honored my hard work and rewarded me financially but the difference is now I also honor him in the way I do my work. I pursue honesty, integrity and I always give back.”

“This weekend is my tithe. I go out five to seven weekends a year and speak at women’s conferences, large and small, at no charge. I honor God with my time and he has rewarded me with joy, peace and even productivity.”

“I want to be remembered for more than a woman who had lots of stuff. It is more than being remembered by man. For me life is about being known by God.” People started standing and clapping. Some even screamed in agreement. Rachel sat there and scribbled doodles on the page. She’d find out the real information when Carol was done with her joy-fest.

“Many people think Christianity is only about what happens after you die but I think the world is more focused on death and the after-life than most believers. God is about the here and now. He talks about money more than prayer. God instructs us to love and to forgive. Those are contemporary messages. There is no need of forgiveness in heaven because there will be no sin. God is interested in the here and now. By contrast many people who don’t follow God worry about their legacy or what will be in their obituary. What will people say about them when they are gone.”

Carol pointed to her chest. “I’m not worried about what people will think of me when I’m gone. I’m worried about how well I am reflecting Christ here on this earth.”

The entire room stood in thunderous applause. Rachel stood and looked around. She had written down a few questions to ask Carol when the two of them got together this evening.

Carol put one hand up and the room quieted down. “I feel impressed to pray over business women right now. Any of you who own, plan on owning, or would like to own a business please come forward. A few women filed to the front.

Rachel’s mom nudged her, “Go on up.”

“No.”

“Why not.”

“It’s for Christians and I’m not one.”

“It’s for business women.” Her mom pointed. She had a smile on her lips but her eyes were stern. Rachel relented and walked to the front with the other women. The lights were hot around her and she focused on the podium. Everyone had to know who she was, Lisa’s daughter, and those who didn’t would know before she left. Carol looked down the row at Rachel and smiled. Rachel broke her gaze quickly and focused on the spot where the podium hit the stage.

One by one Carol put her hands on the women’s shoulders and prayed with them. Beads of sweat formed under Rachel’s top and slid down her shirt. Carol moved down and then stopped in front of Rachel, looking straight into her eyes.

“Hello my new friend.” Carol had tenderness, not hard-nosed business sense, in her eyes.

“Hi.” Was all Rachel could muster.

“God is going to deliver you. He is always by your side and if you will trust him he will make a way where there seems to be no way.”

Rachel’s breath caught in her throat. Her body was filled with tingly sensations that defied description. Carol turned her face upward and prayed out loud but Rachel didn’t hear any of the words. She was overwhelmed with images. The men she’d slept with, the day she opened the office with Shannon, the day Nate left. Then the roses. She stifled a whimper but in the next instant she felt as if her body were draining of tension and stress. An empty calm started at the top of her head and spread to her toes.

The rose was without thorns. She wasn’t afraid of them any longer. She closed her eye and remembered each flower she had found and where she found it. The image was still there but the fear, anger and panic was gone. She turned her face upward. Her body felt as if the sun had peeked out from behind a cloud and was warming them. The searing heat of stage lights was gone and now a gentle warmth enveloped her.

Someone came and touched her shoulders. Rachel opened her eyes and looked to find the whole front empty except for her. Heat burned her cheeks but so did the sense that she wasn’t going to die. She turned and looked directly at her mom. Another hole pierced the armor around her heart.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 41

2009-08-07T07:56:00.001-04:00

Forty-one

At twenty minutes to five Friday afternoon Rachel’s mom pulled up to the house for the retreat. She climbed out of her car and adjusted the winter white pantsuit she was wearing. Rachel looked down at her nice jeans, camisole and jacket. Maybe she should change before she went.

“Ready to go?” Her mom scanned Rachel’s outfit quickly as soon as she came in the house.

“Yes, but, well I’ve been thinking that…”

“You’re still going aren’t you Rachel?”

“Of course, I have my suitcase. I thought I’d come back tomorrow morning. I don’t know if I want to be there for that whole thing.”

“Saturday’s so much fun. We have a nice breakfast and there are quite a few speakers. You should stay.”

“Mom, I’m really only going to hear Carol Adnaw speak.”

“She’s giving a talk just before lunch on Saturday too.”

“I thought she was talking tonight.”

“She is. She’s speakin’ both days. She couldn’t fit everything in she wanted to share on Friday so we rearranged things to give her about forty-five minutes on Saturday morning too.”

She’d have to sit through two hours of church talk to hear Carol Adnaw Saturday morning “Let’s take two cars and I’ll decide when I get there if I want to come back Saturday morning or if I’ll stay to the end.”“

That’ll work out just fine.” Her mom reached for the suitcase. Rachel grabbed her other bag. “What’s going on with Adam?”

Her mom’s face soured. “I’m not sure. I know he’s spent a good deal of time with Yvonne on the TDD but he ain’t tellin’ me bout what they’re sayin’.”

“So is he going back to California?”

“Now I just told you, don’t know. What you gonna go asking me for again.” Her mom walked out the back door with Rachel’s suitcase. She’d have to talk to Adam directly, when mom wasn’t there to watch what they were talking about.

“I can’t wait to hear Carol Adnaw speak. Do you think she’ll take time after to talk to people. I’d really love to spend some time learning from her.” How her mom’s church had managed to snag such a well-known speaker still surprised Rachel.

“Oh I hear she is wonderful.” Her mom left the suitcase next to Rachel’s car.

“Mom, I’m going back in to check the house.”

Mom waved her away. Rachel rechecked the front door and windows. “I’ve got the lights down here on a timer.” She scanned the room. “Feels like I’m forgetting something.” She stood a few moments. Then since she couldn’t think of anything she locked the back door and then stopped by her mother’s car, peering in the window. “So, how do I get to this place?”

“Let me look.” Her mom reached in the passenger door. She scanned a light blue piece of paper with a photocopied map and scribbled handwriting on it. It should be okay.

Rachel got into her car, and watched as her mother backed out. She started her motor and eased into the street. She wasn’t quite sure what to expect at a women’s retreat. She had images of either older women with casserole dishes eating or swapping recipes. Or she could see a roomful of women who got as wound up as her mom sometimes hanging from the chandeliers.

Despite some jitters, given her past experience with religion, she was really starting to look forward to the weekend with the ladies. The Fratboy wasn’t going to find her this weekend. That was one incentive to be at the retreat. There she was going to be surrounded by other women nestled back in a woods down a hard to find street at the back of a park.

It was a place you only knew how to find if you were there. Even though Carol Adnaw was the invited speaker and even though she was a very famous business woman her mom’s church had only done word of mouth advertising. Her mom said it was to keep it focused on God and finding him rather than personalities.

Traffic wasn’t bad at all for a Friday afternoon. Most of it was cleared up or heading out of town rather than toward it. There was a bit more traffic as they approached Triangle park. Must have been little league that night. Rachel always thought it was called Triangle park because of the many baseball fields. Her dad had laughed when she told him.

“They’re ball diamonds, not triangles.” He’d said as he laughed so hard he had tears in his eyes. When he had finally been able to stop laughing he’d told her the park got its name from the two rivers on either side of the park making it look like a triangle.

Most of the downtown area of Woodhaven was run down. People were moving to the edge of town or to the homes near the university. The park had been the exception. It was a remarkably well-kept park being so close to the downtown. The park drew both city-dwellers and suburbanites for the walking trails and ball games.

She turned to follow the jog in the road that led the last stretch to the lodge they were staying in. Her stomach tightened when she saw a sign that pointed to the lodge. It would be fine. There’s no reason to be nervous. She was here to learn from a top executive woman. Church really couldn’t get much easier than that.

Nate had started with a retreat in college. A men’s retreat as she recalled. In fact, he went there a few weeks after their engagement. They had just moved in together and Rachel was living the dream.

“I hate staying alone in our new house. Can’t you go to the retreat next year after our wedding.” She spun the half-carat solitaire back and forth on her finger. “I’ll be lonely without you.”

Nate folded a shirt and placed it in his overnight bag. “I’ll be home tomorrow night, Rachel.” He pulled her close to him. “You deserve the best husband.” He paused to kiss her. “These men, they are going to show me how to do that.”

“But when did you start going to those meetings?” They had attended her parents’ church from time to time but neither of them considered themselves religious. Then he was approached in the student union by a classmate and three other men. They promised him they could show him fulfillment the world couldn’t offer. She never stayed the living room when they came over, which had now become nearly every night.

Now they were taking Nate with them.

“Rachel, don’t worry. It is one night. We have our whole lives to live together.” He zipped his suitcase and kissed her. “I’ll make it up to you tomorrow night.”

“You’d better.”

He lifted his keys off the hook and put his bag down. Rachel followed him to the front door. “I love you, Rachel.”

“I love you too Nate.”

He kissed her and walked out the door. She walked to the window and watched him get in the car with the other three men. She waved down at Nate. He smiled, waved back then climbed in the back seat. A man climbed in on either side of him in the backseat.

She sat down to look at her bridal magazines. They were only twenty and the wedding couldn’t be extravagant but she’d love Nate since they met in high school. For three years they were best friends and the first time she…well it was with Nate.

She fell asleep that night on the couch. The next morning she woke to pounding on her front door. The clock said it was six-thirty. She stumbled to the door. The men were standing there.

“Nate has joined the community.”

“What?” She said, still groggy.

“We have come to pick up a few of Nate’s things.”

“He’ll be back tonight.”

“No.” The larger of the three said, the one she disliked the most. “He has joined the community. He is no longer connected to this world or the lusts of the flesh.”

“We’re getting married.” She looked between the three of them. Their faces like stone.

“No, Nate is married to the church now. He is a part of the community and he’s committed his life and worldly possessions to the creator.”

Bad memories. Rachel snapped back and followed her mom in to the parking lot adjacent to the lodge. She pulled her car in next to her mom and climbed out.

“Should I bring everything in now or come back for it.”

“Go ahead and bring it. I’m getting mine.” She hoisted her bag on her shoulder. Rachel nodded and pulled her suitcase out of the trunk of her car and followed her mom up the walk. A woman, likely in her mid-fifties, met them on the sidewalk. Her hair was shoulder length blond and she was dressed more like Rachel in jeans and a nice top. It made Rachel feel a bit less self-conscious about her outfit choices. “Lisa, so good to see you.” They hugged. “You are awful dressed up for this aren’t you?” The woman leaned to Rachel. “Wouldn’t you say so.”

“Yep. I think jeans are the way to go.” Rachel nodded as she answered.

“No matter. Your mom’s always overdressing for these events.”

“Well, what else I got to dress up for?”

The two of them began chatting about what Lisa needed to do to help set up. Rachel followed her mom up the sidewalk to the lodge. Inside the front door a young woman who looked to be around Rachel’s age sat at a rectangular folding table. There was a white plastic tablecloth on top with sheets of names taped to it. Voices echoed from every direction with people smiling and nodding in various conversations.

Her mom walked around the woman to the table while Rachel tried to figure out where to sign up. “Janice, this is my daughter Rachel.”

“So this is your daughter Rachel.” The woman turned to face her. “I’ve heard so much about you. You run a business don’t you?”

“Yes, a marketing company.” Rachel smiled and shifted her bags to her left hand and shook the woman’s hand.

“You coming to see our guest speaker?”

“Carol Adnaw? Absolutely. She’s top of her game. There’s a lot of women who could learn from her example.”

The woman smiled warmly. “I’m sure there is. I hope you get a lot out of her talk.” Rachel returned the smile. Rachel looked back at her name tag to remind herself of the woman’s name. She had been distracted by everything but should have paid better attention.

Next a woman with a clipboard appeared from behind them. “Oh good Lisa. You’re here. We’ve go the two of you in the room down this hall.” The woman took Rachel’s mom by the arm and led her past a couple of plain doors and in to an equally plain room.

The woman with the clipboard crinkled her nose. “Sorry they’re pretty bland. Everything in here is beige but the place offered us a great deal, and everything is clean, so we took it.” She smiled and lowered her voice a touch. “I think next year we’ll do it at the hotel we talked about. I was so embarrassed when we came in to set up this morning.” Then raising her voice again “The common areas are quite nice.”

Rachel and her mom set their things down on the beds. “I’m going to go look around.” Rachel called back.

“Fine honey. We’ll run into each other I’m sure.”

Rachel walked back out to the table with the long list of names.

“Hi my name is Rachel.” She scanned down the page and pointed herself out.

“Wonderful. You’re in group one.” The woman traced over Rachel’s name with a yellow highlighting pen. “Here is your nametag and folder. We’re starting at seven-thirty in that room right over there.” The woman pointed to the large living room a few feet away.

“Thank you.”

Rachel watched the women. Nearly all of them knew the other. She smiled and nodded at the few who managed to make eye contact.

“I see you’re in group one too.” Rachel spun around again and was face to face with Carol Adnaw.

“Yes, I am.” This time she had a genuine smile. “My name’s Rachel.”

“Carol.”

They shook hands.

“I’m so happy to finally meet you.” Rachel resisted the urge to gush about everything she’d ever read by or about her.

“Well thank you. God has blessed me.”

God. For a moment Rachel had forgotten she was at a church thing. Carol Adnaw was there but this was about church and God stuff too.

Carol continued. “You’re the only person I’ve seen from group one so far besides me. Would you like to sit down with a cup of coffee?”

“Of course. That would be really nice. Wait here and I’ll be right back.”

Rachel wove back and forth between people and finally found her mom.

“Mom, I’ve found Carol Adnaw and she wants to have coffee. We’ll be right over there.” She pointed to the back of the common area.

“Great. I’ll find you in just a bit.” She turned back to the woman she was talking to then stopped. “Rachel, you’re going to need your bag.” She slid a canvas bag off of her arm and handed it to Rachel. Inside there was a folder, pen and what looked to be a few cosmetic samples.

A large group of women were milling around the registration table when Rachel got back.

“Was I gone that long?” She motioned to the group.

“No, there were two vans that unloaded and they all walked in together. Do you want to go over to the other room?” Carol motioned. There’s a fireplace in there.

Rachel nodded and led the way through a sea of round white tables full of women catching up and swapping stories. Her mom should be able to find her back here. They sat at an empty table.

“Carol, would you like some coffee?”

“Yes, please. Two sugars.”

She got the coffees and sat down across form Carol. “How is it you came to be the featured speaker at a church event?”

“My passion is helping women. There are some women who have no financial sense. For those women I love to share financial strategies that will help them be self-sufficient if they ever need to be. Some women need to remember that there is more to this life. That is what women retreats are for. It’s when women can reconnect.”

“Do you do many of them?”

“I try to do one about every month or every other month.”

“Do they pay well?” Rachel looked around at the room of a couple hundred women. What would cause a woman who filled conference halls to speak to such a small group?

“I think they do.” She smiled and blew on her coffee.

Obviously she wasn’t going to tell how well they paid. Rachel looked around and quickly added the number of women then multiplied it by the twenty dollar conference fee. At the most they’d collected about two thousand dollars. Hardly enough to pay a nationally recognized speaker.

Carol scooted forward in her chair then leaned her arms on the table. “How long have you gone to this church?”

“Oh, I’ve gone off and on for a few years now. My mom is pretty active and she told me about it.” It wasn’t a complete lie. She’d been to the church about three or four times a year since her mom and dad started there.

“You’re lucky to have the pastor you do. I’ve followed his ministry for a while.” Carol paused to blow on her coffee and sip slowly at it. “He’s a strong man in the Lord.”

“Yes he is.” It was all Rachel could think to say back. He was an okay preacher when she’d attended recently and had told Shannon as much.

“Excuse me, Carol?” A frail older woman broke into their conversation.

“Yes?” Carol smiled at the woman as if thrilled to see her.

“They wanted to have you come back to the green room with the other speakers for tonight.”

“Thank you. I’ll be right there.” The old woman walked away and Carol turned to Rachel.“Guess I’m on. If you’d be willing after the presentation tonight I’d love to continue our conversation.”“I’d like that. Thank you.”

“We’ll meet back here.” Carol picked up her Styrofoam cup of coffee and walked briskly to join up with the older woman. The two chattered away until they turned a corner and Rachel could no longer see them.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 40

2009-08-04T07:54:00.001-04:00

Forty

She hung up with the police department. What would she do now?

Was he out there when Curtis left?

She began to sob pulling doors closed as she walked down the hall. Did he follow Curtis home and what would he do to him? She wrapped her arms around her body and stood at the top of the steps. She had to move where he wouldn’t find her. Telecommuting from a home somewhere far from here wouldn’t be too bad with today’s technology. She was an owner. What could they say? No?

But Curtis.

She shook with sobs.

She stopped outside her bedroom door. “Leave me alone.” She screamed down her steps before she plopped down on the top step to cry. Nothing more could be done. The police had done what they could but they were never here when he left these flowers.

And what if he stopped?

Right now they came every week. Each week they came on a different day. This time they were only forty-eight hours apart. Did that mean he was coming? Did more roses mean she was safer.

Or closer to death.

“I don’t want to die.” She cried. Visions of her time with Curtis, family, friends and events in her life slid through her memory. Rather than flashing before her eyes her life was giving a goodbye tribute.

And there wasn’t much to see.

She had no kids, no husband and nothing other than a business and a few things to be sold.

“Here lies Rachel, she had a business and stuff.” She mumbled. It was a pathetic inscription for a tombstone but it was what she had. “Survived by a marketing firm and two parents. Estate auction Friday.” She choked out between sniffles. She didn’t have a cat, or a plant; she had no living thing to prove she had made a difference in this world at all.

She wiped her nose on the back of her hand but it was no longer sufficient to catch the flow of tears. She lumbered down the steps planting each foot hard. She pulled four or five tissues from the box and wiped her face off.

There was the rose.

It was on the floor by the front door where she had thrown it. Still waiting for her.

She hated that rose. It stole the joy of this evening. She marched over to it. Fear was replaced by rage. She snatched it up from the floor and headed in to the kitchen. The lid to the trashcan popped open when she stomped on the small pedal. She threw it in as hard as she could and spun. The lid plopped closed but it didn’t relieve her.

“I hate you.” She said and stomped on the trashcan pedal again. She stuck her arm inside. Something slimy and warm covered her fingers. She lifted the rose out its petals and her fingers covered with gravy.

“I…hate…you.” She spat as she tore the bloom off and ripped it into as many pieces as possible. Pain shot through her fingers when she tried to break the stem. She looked at the blood and scratches in her palm. A thorn was still lodged in her finger.

The pain felt good. It was a battle scar. Proof she was fighting and not laying down to die.

She wiped the thorns out with a swipe across her jean. The ribbon was undone so she tore it the rest of the way and slammed the stem then the ribbon in the trash.

She was a charging bull.

If she was going to die she would do it fighting.

She’d make her mark. Even if it was by taking her assassin with her.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 39

2009-07-31T07:50:00.001-04:00

Thirty-nine

“She’s ready to open to me. I should go now. Knock on her door and look at the surprise and love in her eyes.” He craned his neck back around to look at her house. How much longer could he stand the build-up of desire? He wanted to have her now. Four weeks had been an arbitrary number; there was no real need to suffer their love in silence.

He dangled the small round charm in front of his eyes. It glimmered in the light of the front porch light. Alpha Mu Epsilon.

“First comes love.” He looked at Rachel’s photo. Her face was criss-crossed with the shadow of the branches in the street light’s glow. So lovely with sweet innocence. But she would surrender to his touch when he revealed who he really was. She would run to him like she had run into her house tonight. Every woman before had surrendered. All of them were shy at first but when the moment of decision came they followed their hearts.

He touched her picture. “Let me tell you all about it. I’ll be your fantasy. I will step from the shadow. You will look at me and say ‘It was you all along.’ Then we’ll embrace.” He brought the photo to his lips and gently kissed it.

“Next, we will surrender ourselves to the desire burning inside of us.” He slid out of his hiding space. “Only four more ribbons are on the shelf.” He whispered facing her house. All the curtains were drawn now so he could safely cross the street.

He jogged across and walked straight to Guardian.

“That a good chew treat?” He said using his baby-dog voice. He rubbed Guardian on the head. “You take good care of her until tomorrow.” He rubbed Guardian one last time.

When he took Rachel for his own Guardian would come with him. A dog deserved a big yard in the country. Not that nasty little chain in the front yard. He would reward Guardian for his loyalty and his protection of Rachel.

Logan returned to his car and drove off. The next four ribbons were the most important. No more leaving them on the porch or the mailbox. They needed to be personal. Send her a message that would point to him.

“The last one I’ll give her personally.” He was 2/3 the way to that moment. He glanced in his mirrors side mirror and pulled on to the quiet street. He left his headlights on until he reached the end of the small block. The moon was nearly full in a cloudless sky so with the street lamps he had enough light to pull ahead discreetly.

The patrol car would be around again soon. He flipped on his lights. Almost immediately a car pulled out from behind him. He tried to maintain the calm. The road he was on led out of the neighborhood and in to the main driveway. He turned right down the side street. The other car followed.

Had he missed a patrol car? That was impossible unless he’d been spotted with Guardian. He calmly turned down one street then another. He should have gone to her tonight. Enough on Romance, it was time for culmination. They should have been together tonight when he was there with her. His timing was all off. Why had he left? She wanted him tonight. She would have given in? The lights got closer to him. He needed to keep his head about him. There was no way anyone saw him or what he’d done.

He slowed down to let the other car pass him. The car stayed on his bumper close enough for Logan to see past the headlights. There was a man in the front seat. Who was he? Logan looked back in time to crank the wheel and avoid hitting a parked car. The other car followed him still.

“Go around.” He hissed. No one was going to keep him from his precious Rachel. Logan reached under the seat of his car and felt around. His fingers latched on the rope and knife right away but the can of Mace was just beyond his reach. He sat up and slid the rope and knife on his floor mat then leaned down a second time. The little can of Mace rolled back and forth just at the edge of his grasp. He looked in his mirror and slammed on his breaks. The car behind him swerved then went around him. Logan bent down and grabbed the can of Mace that had been thrown forward and stuck it under his thigh.

The car that had pursued him continued on its path down the road before turning in a parking lot.

Alpha Mu Epsilon would always be rewarded. It was the way of the world.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 38

2009-07-28T07:49:00.001-04:00

Thirty-eight

She darted her hand in, grabbed the rose, threw the letter in the box and ran in the house in one lighting motion. Before the screen door could slam behind her this time she had the bolt, chain and wedge in their place. The rose was on the floor where she had thrown it when she ran in.

She cried. He had been here. Had he been watching her kissing Curtis on the couch? Was the rose to taunt her? Was he ever going to leave her alone? She slid down with her back to the door. The curtains were open, was he watching her now?

She crawled below the window-sill and grabbed the pull strings on the drapes. At least he wouldn’t see her. She continued to the second and third set of curtains then went to the kitchen to pull those. Outside something scratched across her driveway in the wind. She ran to the window over her sink closed and latched it. She scanned the room.

The door leading to the basement was cracked open few inches. She flipped on the light and crept down fear burning her skin and adrenaline pushing her forward. She never used the sliding door to the basement so she never checked it. She could call Curtis. He couldn’t be more than a mile or two away. She reached down. No cell phone. It was in her purse upstairs. She crept through the near empty basement. The furnace and a few stacks of boxes would be the only cover for an intruder. She peeked around those and saw nothing. The only other place would be behind the curtain for the basement’s sliding glass door.

She picked up a broken broom handle that she’d remembered was under the steps and crept forward. Something creaked and she stopped, holding her breath so she could listen for the slightest sound. Slowly she tiptoed closer to the curtain. It moved slightly and she caught a scream in her throat.

What she was doing was insanity. She looked back at the steps. It would make more sense to run upstairs and call the cops. She lifted the bat over her head and in a quick motion ripped the curtains back and swung the bat. The curtain rod gave way and crashed down on her. She screamed and ran up the steps never once looking back. She slammed the door shut and leaned against it.

Not a sound came from the basement. She waited then opened the door a crack. There was nothing. She bent over and looked in the basement. The curtains were in a pile with the rod but there was no sign anyone had been in that basement but her. A small bit of relief washed over her and she ran to the back door to double check its lock. When she was satisfied the kitchen was secure she moved to the second floor and checked every window.

He was close by but he wasn’t getting in.

Rachel dialed the police.

A man with a gruff voice answered the phone.

She identified herself, “I’ve found another rose.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 37

2009-07-24T07:48:00.001-04:00

Thirty-seven

The lock on her front door clicked. She was coming out. What luck. Both that he was going to watch her and that he made it to his hiding place in time. It would be very disappointing if she ruined the fun by finding out it was him too early.

She came out the door and right to the mailbox. Heat surged through his body. Rachel going directly to his rose could only mean one thing. She was beginning to think like him. Their minds were meshing together as one. Like Adam and Eve, the first two perfect people.

“The symbol of our love.” Logan said so quietly he could only feel the vibrations in his throat. He was too close to say it any louder. Only twenty-five feet separated them at this moment. As if on cue Rachel snatched up the rose and flew in to her house.

“Yes, Rachel. It’s for you.” The branches moved in the breeze and he slid down into them to shield himself from the wind. In another couple of months this would no longer work as a hiding place. The branches would be too bare. He pulled a laminated photo out of his pocket. Much as he had tried to protect it the edges were bent and the plastic wasn’t as shiny as when he made it. So many nights of taking it out of his pocket and putting it back in. So they could be together always. Hers was the first face he saw in the morning and the last one at night.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 36

2009-07-21T07:46:00.002-04:00

Thirty-six

She stepped in the back door and locked it. There was plenty of time to sort through the mail and handle a little paperwork for the office before bed. She opened the electric bill.

“I’m not home enough to pay this much for electricity.” The difference in her utility bill from a two-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom house had put a bite in her fun money. She was due to have her roots touched up but they’d have to wait a couple more weeks. Money hadn’t been an issue before the house. She stacked the bills back into a pile and plopped them in the wire basket.

“They’re not going away.” She snatched them back up and went to her desk drawer to get her checkbook. She hadn’t seen a balance this low since she was in college. The electric bill was more than the insurance on her car was this month.

“What in the world?” Why was she getting a bill from Outdoorsman magazine?

“Wrong house.”

She picked up all the envelopes and walked to the front of the house. The sun was completely gone with the slightest bit of purple lingering above the trees. Houses had porch lights on and those that didn’t had their curtains drawn. Life in a fishbowl.

She unhooked the chain, turned the deadbolt, slid the wedge out from the bottom of the door and opened it. Her mailbox was a long rectangle against the house just outside her door. Usually she dropped her letters off at the big blue mailbox on the way to work. Too many people were getting things stolen, like their identity, from people invading mailboxes. She figured this should be safe.

She lifted the lid of the mailbox but was sideways and couldn’t keep it open and stick the letter out. She stepped down on the porch. The door clapped shut behind her. The breeze was cool this evening. It made her shiver. Twice she looked over her shoulder in the few seconds on the porch. Someone could slink out of the darkness and on to the porch before she knew they were there.

She lifted the lid and saw the rose almost immediately.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 35

2009-07-17T07:45:00.001-04:00

Thirty-five

Logan pulled his car to the curb at the end of the block. Rachel’s house was halfway back along the street. She couldn’t see him from here. A large blue spruce tree blocked the view. He sat for a minute, thinking about Rachel, his lovely Rachel, just a short distance away. She’d be going about her evening ritual, not dreaming he was here. He climbed out of his car and walked down the street toward her house. The sky had darkened and the evening air was cool and damp. The scent of her perfume lingered in his nostrils. He’d bought her brand and smelled it whenever he was lonely for her touch.

He looked around at the dark splotches that blanketed the neighborhood. The shadows formed when the street lights hit the trees. The sun was gone. “It’s shadow time.” He whispered. He crossed the street and walked on the sidewalk opposite her house. Today was a special day for the two of them. They had passed the two-month mark. He deserved a pat on the back for patience and spending so much time with her, thinking about her but still unable to satisfy his inner hunger.

“That’s what Alpha Mu Epsilon is all about.” He reached down to pet the dog in the yard down the street from Rachel. He’d given the dog the name “Guardian” since he would alert Logan to danger and because the dog guarded Rachel’s house from across the street.

“I got something for you tonight boy.” He stuck his hand in his jacket. Guardian walked as close to him as he could stretch. He whimpered and strained against the chain. Logan remained just out of reach until he’d found the treat in his coat pocket.“There you go boy.” He gave Guardian a pig’s ear dog chew. Guardian grabbed it greedily and plopped down on the grass a few feet away and chewed on it. He was a smart dog. He almost never barked at Logan anymore when he came. “That should hold you until tomorrow.”

It was getting late. He scanned the sidewalks. They were clear so he walked down past her house, double-backed then to her sidewalk. He had to hurry so he wouldn’t get caught. That would take the fun out of their game. He looked around one more time and zipped up her porch steps, slid the rose in her mailbox then retreated to his usual hiding place.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 34

2009-07-14T07:44:00.001-04:00

Thirty-four

“I’ll call you in the morning.” Curtis said before climbing in his car to leave. Their few hours had flown by so quickly. Rachel stood in the driveway behind her house with a leather jacket to keep her warm. Despite everything she said he insisted on leaving by eight p.m. He didn’t want to steal her beauty rest. She waved as he turned to go down the road but it was too dark to see if he’d waved back.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 33

2009-07-10T07:42:00.001-04:00

Thirty-three

“Where would you like to eat?” Curtis whispered into Rachel’s ear. His cologne was woodsy. Not what she had expected from a straight-laced man. His 5 o’clock shadow scratched the back of her ear when he spoke. The office was empty except for the two of them standing in the lobby trying to decide where to have dinner. Curtis leaned against the wall when he arrived and Rachel slid in his arms. They’d stood there, chatting about their day for over thirty minutes.

“No where.” She leaned back on her heels and pulled his arms tighter around her waist. Her fingers were laced between his and she resisted the urge to kiss his hand. “I want you to come back to my place.”

“You aren’t hungry at all? My stomach is eating my spine.” He squeezed her.

“We can grab some Boston Market on the way.”

“If you’re sure that’s what you want.”

She laid her cheek against his arm and watched the cars pass by on the road outside her office. “That’s exactly what I want. Boston Market at my place. A quiet evening in.”

“I suppose we could be classified as an old dating couple now.”

“Why because we’re eating in?”

“We’re eating take-out.”

“Well if you want something else-“

He pulled her in close to him and rested his chin down on her shoulder. “If that is what you want then that is what you’re going to have. My lady gets what she wants.”

She reached back and touched his rough face. His stubble gave him a rugged look Rachel tried to resist.

“If we’re going to get it though we should go.”

She laid her head against him one last time. Even with him standing behind her holding her close there was distance between them. She wanted more of him. Her heart ached to hear his deep voice or to feel his soft fingers caress her skin. He wasn’t willing to start a physical relationship with her, which only made her want him more. Slowly she turned to face him.

“Do you want to pick up the food or should I go?” She held his hand while she spoke. She didn’t want to let go of him until they were each in their own cars.

“No reason for you to go. Head home and I’ll be there soon.” He leaned down and kissed her tenderly. She released his hands and slid her arms around his waist. Why wouldn’t he start a physical relationship? Her insides screamed but she knew on that point he wouldn’t budge.

“I’ll wait while you lock up.” He said and led her by the hand to the front door. She locked everything and kissed him again before she got in the car. Rachel drove through town to the tree-lined streets leading to her home. She had never noticed how many kids lived on the block closest to her house. Today she watched elementary aged boys running around the yard and girls off to the side chatting in small huddles. She heard a familiar song on the radio.

A familiar tune played quietly on the radio. She turned it up a bit. “Woo-hoo, I love this song.” She cranked the volume button to the right and screamed out the words of the song while tapping out the rhythm on her steering wheel.

It didn’t matter that the woman she let cross the street in front of her car crinkled her nose and smirked a bit. Singing opened her up. At least the woman didn’t see her waving her arms around at the next stoplight. Throwing off inhibitions and cutting loose was good for a person every once in a while. She wasn’t going to live every moment of her life in a stiff, regimented schedule with no time to decompress.

She turned in her driveway and gathered her purse, sweater and satchel from the passenger seat. Curtis said she’d have about twenty minutes before he’d be there with the food. She came in the back door and set her things on the counter then walked to the front of the house and got the mail from the mailbox on the front porch.

“Junk, Junk, Junk.” She tossed them in a pile. The rest went in the wire mail basket. The clock in the kitchen clicked out the seconds and the refrigerator hummed to life. She scooped up the credit card applications to shred and pushed the answering machine.

A robotic voice said “You have no messages.” She switched on the shredder and shredded those few things.

“Oh no, my lilac sweater is still at the cleaners.” Rachel turned off the shredder scurried in her stocking feet from the kitchen up the steps to her bedroom. That lilac sweater always drew compliments and the weather was cool enough today that she could have wore it. Not that it mattered that much. What she had on was just fine.

“But these pants aren’t comfortable.”

Would Curtis worry too much about her outfit? It wasn’t a first date by any stretch. When they’d met she was in jeans and an Old Navy T-shirt.

“Where’s the blue one?” She scanned across her closet from left to right. Her finger stopped on her blue top. It looked great with jeans. She pushed the hangers to the side and pulled out a sweater then her favorite jeans. The outfit flattered her figure without being sensual then slid on her house slippers. She was attractive but relaxed. Curtis had a knack for being early. She shot a glance to the clock and dashed downstairs to tidy up before he arrived.

There wasn’t much to do after her weekend cleaning spree so instead she lit candles around the room, turned on a CD of piano music and set two places at the dining room table. This was a real relationship. Not since her breakup with Nate had she had an adult meal at home. Instead they’d eat out someplace and then end the evening at one house or the other. The Chinese takeout her and Curtis had shared on moving day didn’t count. She felt more like a woman, an adult.

And now her man was here.

She watched him get out of the car with the bag. She went through the kitchen and out the back door. “Anything I can help you carry in?”

I left something in the car.” He said.

She grabbed the one small bag, closed his car door and held the door for him. He put the bag he was carrying next to the one Rachel brought in and went back out the door. She lifted the food out and started scooping potatoes, vegetables and baked apples in to serving dished.

“I thought the point of eating take out was to avoid a mess.” He said when he walked back in the house and saw what she was doing.

“It’s our first meal in as a couple. I want it to be nice.” She said then she smiled and looked up at him.

“Here.” He handed her a bouquet. “Put these on the table too. They’ll look nice.”

She took the bouquet of mixed flowers and smelled them. She loved the way different flowers always seemed to blend to make a fragrance as beautiful as the blooms. She’d yet to find a combination of blooms that didn’t smell great together.

“Thank you.” She said, still not putting them down.

“You’re welcome.” He kissed her then started collapsing the bags. They carried the serving dishes out to the dining room.

“Music, candles and flowers. Rachel are you trying to seduce me?” He said when he walked in.

She laughed at his movie reference. “I won’t tell.” And she set the bowl down. They filled their plates and ate without saying much for the first few minutes. It was Rachel who first broke the silence.

“Beyond being a Mortgage Broker what do you like to do?”

“This.”

“Eat?” She smiled.

“Exactly. I love to eat. It keeps me alive.”

“Boston Market sustains you, huh?”

“I like spending quiet time at home. My workdays have crept from eight or nine to more like ten to twelve some days. After all that time with people, ringing phone and paperwork it is nice to come home and have a quiet dinner and put my feet up. What about you?”

“I love to read. Give me a romance novel and I’m a happy woman.”

“Oh, you don’t read those things do you?”

“Those things?” She put her fork down. “Those things can be great.”

“But you always know what’s going to happen in the end.”

“And you don’t know in a movie that they’ll live happily ever after?”

He shrugged in response.

“That’s what I thought. The fun in them is the adventure. You know that the good guy will be handsome and perfectly romantic. Then one or the other will feel intimidated by the relationship or have a personality problem. There will be attraction; a wrench will be thrown in the works. Then they will live happily ever after.”

“And yet you read them?”

She smiled and shook her head. “I like predictable.”

“Somehow I knew that about you.”

“Is that a bad thing?”

“No. Predictable.” He smiled at his joke.

“Ha, ha.”

“What was the most unpredictable thing that has ever happened to you?” Curtis asked. Icy fingers of fear pricked up and down her skin. Curtis looked up at her and his smile dropped. “Are you okay?”

She needed to get a grip. Don’t ruin this moment with that. Don’t let the Fratboy ruin this moment. She cleared her throat. “I’m fine. I’d have to say the most unpredictable thing I’ve done was one summer during college instead of getting a summer job I pulled some money out of savings and spent two weeks in southern France near the French, Italian, Swiss border.”

“Impressive. What was it like? I’ve never been over there.”

“It was a bit intimidating to tell the truth.” She took a sip of water. The fear was fading but she hadn’t yet regained her carefree mood.

“Did you know the language?”

“I spoke French pretty well. Unfortunately I had studied French all through high school and college but everyone failed to tell me that in France they don’t speak French.”

“What do they speak then?”

“Verlan.”

“Verlan?” He pronounced it with a hard American accent.

“No, it’s Ver, like in Very. Ver-law. But you have to talk through your nose at the end.” She smiled and demonstrated. He repeated back with an increasingly bad American accent.

“Okay, I can’t say it. What is it?”

“French slang.”

“Then why didn’t you just say French slang.” He laughed and tried to say Verlan again.

“Because it’s called Verlan.” She smiled. “It is a crazy language. They flip the syllables around and use different verbs. It’s like French pig Latin but people use and understand it.”

“Guess you learn something new every day.” He pushed his plate back.

Rachel stood to clear the table. Curtis stopped her by putting his hand on hers.“

Go sit. I’ll clear these up.”

“You don’t know where they go.”

“Go sit down.” He pointed to the couch then stacked the plates and serving dishes. Rachel scooped up the napkins with the last bowl and followed him to the kitchen.

“I thought you were sitting.”

“I can’t sit down in the other room while you clean my kitchen.” She rinsed the plates and arranged them in the dishwasher.“I still get credit for being a nice guy.” He gave her a bowl and she put it in the top.

“Yes, you get credit.”

In five minutes the kitchen was picked up and the leftovers were in the fridge. They walked back to the living room and sat down next to each other on the couch. She leaned her head against his chest and listened to the thudding of his heart. Curtis squeezed her against him and she tilted her head up to look at his face. The last of his aftershave or cologne filled her nostrils. She pressed her face in to the side of his neck.

“What are you thinking about?” He said.

“Nothing. I’m enjoying the quiet.” She was thinking about how she was living a romance novel.

“I was thinking about you.”

“What about me?”

“I was thinking that when I met you there would have been no way I would have imagined I’d be dating you.”

“Why’s that?” He pulled his arm tighter around her.

“You aren’t really my type?

She laughed. “That’s fine because you’re not my type either.”

His cell phone chirped on his hip.

“You need to get that?”

“No, that is a business call. There aren’t mortgage emergencies after seven so it can wait until morning.”

“You don’t answer your business phone after seven.”

“Not unless I’m expecting a call.”

She couldn’t imagine ignoring any call, whether business or personal. What if there was an emergency that needed to be handled before the next morning. He didn’t budge. It was as if the phone call never happened. Until a couple of months ago it was rare when she left the office before seven.

“You’re not even a little curious who called you.” She said.

“Nope.” He kissed her forehead. “Not a bit.”

“I can’t imagine.”

“It takes a lot of practice but now I don’t think twice about it. I even have two cell phones with two different numbers. I forgot to take my work one off and leave it in the car. Usually I don’t carry it when I’m with you.”

They sat in silence again for two or three minutes.

“Curtis?”

“Hm?”

“I’m going on the women’s retreat at your church with my mom.”

He leaned back and spun to face her. “Are you really?” He was beaming.

“I talked to her about it yesterday. I think it will be fun. I’ve wanted to hear Carol Adnaw speak for some time.”

Curtis grabbed her face with both of his hand planted a kiss square on the lips. She held on to his arms and kissed him back.

“Thank you. It means a lot to me that you would do that.” He said.

“You’re welcome. I had no idea you’d be that happy.”

“I am.” He leaned back on the couch and pulled her head back against his chest. She stretched her legs out and propped them on the coffee table and snuggled down against him.

“Hey, have you talked to my brother much?”

“I’d say we’ve talked a couple times a week plus I see him at church.”

“Has he talked about his wife at all to you?”

“Yvonne? Yes a little.”

She sat up and leaned forward on the couch and spun her rings. “My mom doesn’t like Yvonne at all. I don’t get in to it but there’s no reason for Mom not to like her. She isn’t doing anything to mess the two of them up is she?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

“Then what happened with them?”

He took her hand. “They’re fighting all the time. She wants to come back to Ohio and he won’t.”

Her brother was the most pig-headed person she knew. When he thought he was right there was not changing his mind. “Then why is he in Ohio?”

Drew shook his head. “I asked him the same question. Adam said it was different because he was here to work some things out. It wasn’t the same as moving.”

“He’s the only one who thinks they need to be out there.” When they’d left Adam had been so sure he was doing what God told him to do. That was the danger in taking the God thing to far. Now he was willing to destroy his marriage rather than admit he was wrong. Of course, if that happened it would be God’s fault too.

“I’m praying for him and we’ve prayed together quite a bit.” Curtis continued. “He’s starting to come around.

“I might call Yvonne and see how she’s doing.”

“That would be a big help. I’ve only talked to her once and that was because she happened to call your parents on the voice phone when I was there. She told me the thinks your family wants them to split up-.”

“I don’t.”

“Call her and check in with. That will mean so much to her.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 32

2009-07-07T07:41:00.001-04:00

Thirty-Two

“Rachel.” Curtis’ sounded genuinely happy when he answered the phone. “Good to hear from you.” There was no hint of the terse words they’d shared the last time they spoke.

“Sorry. I’ve needed some time to sort a few things out.”

“Anything I can help with?”

“No, thank you though.” There was a long silence on the phone. She searched for a thought but nothing seemed to be appropriate, or even interesting. “What have you been up to?” It seemed a safe question.

“I’ve started a new Bible study at the church. It is on the book of Hebrews.”

“Oh.” Not what she was looking for. Reluctantly she continued. “What are you talking about?”

“This last time we were talking about Faith.” His voice trailed off. “The book deals a lot with our faith in God and his faithfulness to us.”

“Oh.” She used the most interested voice she could muster.

“Rachel, I’m sorry about how things ended before.”

“It’s okay.”

“No, I’m not trying to push anything on you. I wish that you’d want the joy and peace God has given me but that is something you have to work out yourself. I can’t force it on you and I shouldn’t have pushed you.”

“Really, don’t worry about it. I was a little touchy on it.”

“I was a bit overeager because I want you to be a part of my life. My relationship with God is a huge part of who I am and I didn’t feel like you could really understand me if you didn’t understand where my faith comes from.”

“You have to understand that my parents drug me to church my whole life. It was fine when I was little but once I was a teenager it got old. They finally left me alone and let me stay home when I was in high school. Then a few years ago they started a new church, the church you go to with them. Then they started bugging me all the time.”

“Sometimes when God gets a hold of us we get really excited, and possibly a bit over enthusiastic in some people’s opinion.”

She softened a bit. He was really listening to her and what she thought instead of jamming a bunch of verses down her throat. “I understand. My parents, especially my mom, really changed when they started at the new church. I think it is great for them. If that is their truth and brings them happiness then they should do that.”

“But it doesn’t bring you happiness.” He sounded disappointed.

“I don’t feel I need a set of rules imposed by man to live a good life.”

“Maybe that is where the two of you aren’t connecting. You think you’re talking about the same thing but you’re really talking about two different things.”

Rachel stood up and walked around the living room, geared up for a discussion that was surely coming. “We’re both talking about church.”

“No, you’re talking about religion and they’re talking about relationship.”

“Fine and speaking of relationships, let’s get back to ours so we don’t get another fight brewing.”

“Okay, I want to see you.”

Rachel smiled. “When?”

“Ideally now, but I’m on my way to a business meeting in about twenty minutes.”

“You have meetings at seven at night?”“You have them whenever you need them to get the business.”

“I guess that’s true. We could meet after work tomorrow.” She wrote it down in her calendar.

“That will be fine.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “You’ve asked a bit about me. Besides working through a few things how are you, Rachel.” When he said her name it caused her voice to catch in her throat, a ridiculous reaction.

“There’s been a lot going on. I want things to calm down so I can breathe again.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

She did want to desperately. “I do want to talk to you a bit but now isn’t a good time. You have your meeting.”

“Are you sure I can’t do something to help before I have to get there?”

“No. We can talk about it tomorrow.”

“I understand.” He paused for a few moments. “I missed you these last few days.”

She’d tried not to think about him but he had lingered in the corner of her thoughts since the last time they were together. He was opening the door. Why did she keep playing this safe game of not telling him how much she needed him in her life?

“Why’s that?” She tried to sound playful. That was the safest route. Keep playing the game.

He laughed a little bit. “Why do you miss people? I wanted to see you and you weren’t around.”

“In that case I guess I missed you too.”

“I’m glad to hear it. For a minute there I thought I’d made a huge faux pas.”

She got a bottle of water from her fridge and sat back out on her chaise. “Why would you think that?”

“I thought maybe I was reading too much in to this relationship.”

Rachel’s mouth was dry. She took a slow sip of water. Every muscle in her body tensed up. “Um,” she began, trying to form the words that were sticking in her throat. “How do you see this relationship?”

Silence on the other end. She scolded herself for sounding judgmental when she said it. Curiosity was the tone she was after but clearly he had heard something very different. How could she continue now that she had stuck her foot in her mouth?“

Right now I guess I’d say we’re seeing each other. Does that sound vague enough?” He laughed.

She exhaled the breath that, until that moment, she didn’t realize she was holding. “You don’t have to be vague. You can be honest.” Her voice sounded a bit more natural. Curiosity overcoming fear.

“How do you see it?”

“No,” she laughed nervously “I asked you first.”

“I hope you’re the one but…” He stopped abruptly. Rachel tensed up again.

“But, what?”

“But, that isn’t a decision I can make on my own.”

“We can start investigating together tomorrow at dinner.” Her curiosity now giving way to excitement. What if he was the one?

“I’ll call you tomorrow and let you know when my last appointment is and we can make arrangements then.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“I have to make my appointment now.”

“Okay, bye.”

Rachel hung up the phone and sat it on the end table. Maybe he was the one. She let out a squeal and grabbed her phone again.

“Shannon.” Rachel said her name almost before Shannon had finished saying Hello.

“Is everything all right?”

“Yes, why?”

“What do you mean why? Today. The rose.”

Rachel had chosen to forget the events of earlier in the day. She was no longer interested in being controlled by fear. For the moment she could smile and be excited and she was going to do it as long as possible. “I’m past that, for the moment. I just had the best conversation with Curtis.”

“With Curtis? I thought you were having dinner with Drew.” There was a clear I-told-you-so quality to her voice.

“I decided that Drew had some qualities I couldn’t deal with.”

“Such as?”

“A rather nasty temper.”

“What happened?”

Rachel briefly recapped the evening.

“I can’t believe he was like that. If he got so worked up in a public place I don’t want to think about what could have happened in a long term relationship.”

“Those were my thoughts.”

“So you ended it tonight.”

“I don’t think he’ll call back. He left in a huff after I paid the bill.”

“You paid the bill? What a winner.”

“I’m a 21st century lady. I can pay my own way but he is the type…never mind.”

“What type?”

“He just…No, I don’t want to talk about him. I want to talk about Curtis. That’s why I called in the first place.”

“Tell me about it.”

Rachel jumped out of her chair again and paced from the dining room to the living room and back. “I felt a connection with him tonight I’ve never felt before.”

“Like?”

“Like when we talked about church. I didn’t feel like I was going through the inquisition. He didn’t act like he was the be all and end all on wisdom.”

“Why don’t you go to something at church?”

Rachel took a sip of water and planned her words very carefully. “Why would I want to do that?”

“Same reason you do it for your mom. Look like you’re making an effort.”

“What’s wrong with him accepting me for who I am?”

“We’ve already talked about this.”

“But-.”

“Do you go on a date looking like you rolled out of bed?”

“No.” Her voice was flat.

“Then you try to impress him even though you know that is not who you really are.”

“That is absolutely not the same thing.” She sat on her chaise and scooted back in its cushions.

“Fine. All I am saying is if you went to some church event you will look like you’re really trying to understand him and you won’t have to deal with all the church stuff.”

“What, you mean like a picnic.” She could tolerate a social event with some church people. That would not be awful.

“Something like that. Find out if there are any social gatherings you can go to and do that. I think that’s your best plan. You’re bound to have to go to some of these if you get serious anyway so why not start them on your own terms.”

Rachel let the idea roll around in her mind a moment. “The idea isn’t awful.”

“Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“If you want it to be. I know my mom has some women’s professional seminar going on soon. There’s a woman speaking I read about in Fast Company magazine. You know, Carol Adnaw, I could get a chance to talk to her and score brownie points at the same time.”

“Well there you go.”

They chatted for a few minutes about how Rachel could casually ask about the event without letting her mom think she was going to start coming to church.

“The best way will be to tell her you want to go see the speaker.”

“She’ll ask why you’re not coming with me.” Rachel picked at her fingers as she spoke. She was way overdue for a manicure. “Then what will I tell her?”

“Tell her I don’t want to come. We don’t do everything together.”

“Wish me luck.”

“Thinking good thoughts.” Shannon lifted her voice an octave or two in exaggerated excitement.

Rachel clicked the phone off and snuggled down in her chaise. A day of listening to a top woman executive wouldn’t be bad at all. They’d throw in a few things about Jesus and likely talk about how it’s all because of God that she is where she is today then the real teaching would begin. What women do to impress the men they love.

She didn’t necessarily think that love described her feelings toward him yet. It was more of eager fascination or strong interest. He knew how to make her heart jump in her chest. Many times he also knew how to infuriate her as well. She enjoyed challenge and Curtis represented a real challenge. He was different then other men she’d dated, which was part of his charm. The sting of lost loves ate at her. Life for Rachel marched as a series of regrets, what-ifs and if-onlys.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 31

2009-07-03T07:38:00.001-04:00

Thirty-One

Logan lifted a ribbon off the bookshelf. Not many left, soon they’d be together. A surge of desire swelled inside. He looked at the open photo album on the table. Rachel on every page.

Whenever they spoke every bit of manhood inside fought to drive in to her house, not to wait. He had to discipline himself. He needed patience if he was going to do it right. She was battling within. She had two men fighting for her affections. The poor thing couldn’t know which way was right.

He would show her.

But now wasn’t the time. Everything had to be perfect. There were still ribbons on the shelf. He still had roses to be given. Win her slowly. Take her slowly.

It was the anticipation of the revelation that kept spice in relationships. Most often what isn’t said and what isn’t shown that keeps the relationship refreshing. She had to suspect by now it was him leaving the gifts for her. Who else could it be?

He smelled the bloom. Each one was sweeter than the last because it brought him one step closer to touching and loving his beautiful Rachel.

He walked to the picture of Rachel on the shelf that was on eye level. “Are you excited?” He asked it. “You have it figured out, don’t you?” A shiver ran down his body. “You’re playing along. I like that.” His voice was low and soft. It was the voice he was going to use when he stepped from the shadows and in to her life.

Forever.

He was going to be her fantasy. They would be like a couple in a romance novel. He would be her dream man who would show her things she never realized she wanted or needed.

When they spoke now there was always a spark. They had a connection that continued to draw her to him. No matter how many times she wavered she always came back to him. She’d come back this time too.

She had hurt him with her rejection when they last spoke. Her voice was cold and she was distant. She was lucky he was a man who was committed to her. All was forgiven.

Alpha Mu Epsilon.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 30

2009-06-30T07:32:00.004-04:00

Thirty

Rachel got out of her car and adjusted her new jacket. The fine wool pantsuits had been one of her purchases on her trip to Chicago with Shannon. It was a snappy black jacket that turned sapphire in the right light. Shannon wouldn’t let her leave the store until Rachel bought it.

“Hot date?” Shannon said when Rachel walked in the office.

“No, I hate the idea of wasting money on an outfit that sits in the back of my closet.”

“What time are you meeting him?” Shannon said seeming to have not heard a word Rachel has just said.

“I said-“

“Yes, I heard what you said and I don’t believe a word of it. I’m looking right at you and the hair and make-up scream date.” Shannon folded her arms and cocked her head to the side as she spoke.

“I’m meeting Drew after dinner to talk.”

Shannon took Rachel by the arm and led her back to the conference room.

“What are you doing?” Shannon said as soon as she closed the door.

“Don’t start. I’m not doing anything wrong.”

“Does Curtis know?”

Rachel glared at her. “What do you think?”

“I thought you had something with Curtis.”

“I don’t know if I do or not.”

“So what? You’re having a last fling?”

“Don’t you get judgmental with me Miss On-the-first-date-Shannon.”

Shannon’s eyes narrowed. “I was trying to be a friend. You’re the one who called me torn up because Curtis was mad at you.”

“When did you join the Curtis fan club?”

“I don’t know, I guess he grew on me.” Shannon paused only momentarily. Typical. Do what Shannon says no matter how irrational.

“Then you date him.”

“He loves you. Although at the moment I’m at a loss for why.”

“I am not going to commit to something until I’m sure.” Rachel focused on adjusting her outfit again to avoid eye contact.

“What more do you need to be sure?”

“I’ll just know.” Rachel took her purse off her shoulder and set it on the conference table behind her.

“Fine. Whatever Rachel.” Shannon threw her hands up in the air. “You have messages in your door. I have an appointment with a potential new client at two but I’ll be back by end of the day.” She turned and opened the door.

Rachel sat alone in the room for a long moment. Shannon of all people should understand not wanting to settle. Rachel picked her purse up off the table and dug out her cell phone. She scrolled through her contact list but there was no one to call? Shannon was the person she always talked to when she had a problem.

She jammed the phone back in her purse and jerked the strap over her shoulder.

“Shannon.” Rachel yelled down the hall as she turned in her own office. “Can you come in here for a minute?”

Shannon stopped in the doorway, arms folded. “What?” She said and folded her arms.

She wasn’t quite sure how to start. She couldn’t stand to have one more thing wrong in her life. Why had she been so defensive? Shannon was trying to protect her friend.

“Do you have the expense reports from last week?” She tried to make her voice normal. It came out stiff.

“Folder on your desk.” Shannon said pointing then folding her arms again. “Is that the only reason you summonsed me to your office?”

“No, I…uh.”

“What Rachel? Do you think this office stops when you have a problem?”

“No.”

“The expense reports are on your desk.”

“Have you looked them over yet or am I the first one?”

“Looked at them already. That’s why they’re on your desk.”

Rachel unlocked her desk and turned on her computer.

“I don’t want to fight, Shannon.”

“Fine. We’re not fighting.” She turned and walked out the door.

Rachel had not handled that well at all. She lifted the expense reports and flipped through them. Some of this was going to have to go home to get it done in time for monthly budget work ups. She ripped open the bottom drawer of her desk to toss her purse in. She froze. Another rose.

“Shannon, who has been in my office.”

“Why?” Shannon came around the corner into Rachel’s office. “I put everything-.” Shannon’s stopped the moment she made eye contact with Rachel.

“A rose.”

“Don’t touch another thing in this office.” Shannon waved Rachel to her. “I’m going to call 9-1-1 from the front desk.”

Rachel stood up and picked up her purse and walked out of her office. Shannon was on the receptionist’s phone confirming the office’s address.

“Get them out of the office.” Shannon said pulling her chin away from the phone to say it quietly to Rachel.

“C’mon guys. Let’s get out.” Rachel walked to the door and opened it.

“What’s going on?” People started turning to each other.

“Go on out, please.” Rachel held the door for everyone to go in the parking lot then closed the door and stepped back in with Shannon.

“Thank you, goodbye.” Shannon said in the phone. “They’re on their way.”

“Check your keys.”

They both pulled out their keys and went through them. The only person who had keys to the office were the two of them and the building owner.

“What about Walt?”

“Yeah, but he doesn’t have keys to your desk.”

So much for the building owner.

“Rachel, have you been here with anyone?”

“No, you?”

Shannon shook her head no. “Let’s go outside.” Shannon put her arm over Rachel’s shoulder as they walked out the door. “Are you okay?”

“Not really.” She smiled through tears.

Shannon hugged her tight.

“We’ll get all this straightened out. Don’t worry about a thing.” She pushed the hair back from Rachel’s face. “The police will get this handled.”

Rachel shook her head as her breakfast roiled in her stomach and threatened to come back up.

The police arrived twenty minutes later and ran down a list of questions. Who had keys? Anything else strange? What did you touch? Rachel answered all their questions in a fog. Who was doing this? They finished checking things out then allowed a limited staff back in the building to work. Around lunchtime Drew called.

“Rachel, would it be all right if we move things up earlier in the day?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. Why?” Someone had been through her desk and looked at everything there that was private to her. Nothing was private and things would be much less private soon.

“I have to go out of town tomorrow morning so I need to meet earlier in the day.”

“What time were you thinking?”

“Is three too early?”

“No three is fine.”

They finished talking. Down in her office the police were still talking amongst themselves and photographing everything they could fine. Rachel tried to focus on her expense report. She filled in the expense sheets and balanced the books with one eye to her office. He had been in here. He may have gone through her things or sat in her chair. He knew her intimately. He had seen her home and her office and her car. She wrapped her arms around her waist and pressed her back to the wall. There was no place he hadn’t been.

At 2:15 she left the office and drove to the restaurant to meet Drew. This whole thing at the office likely ruled out Drew. He knew where she lived but someone from the office would have noticed him walking in her office.

Maybe the stalker was gone. There were no more reports on things happening and while the police were diligent in helping her they no longer seemed overly concerned with the roses. It had to be a copycat or someone’s misguided notion of romance. The ideas did little to sooth the fear that lingered on the edge of her every conscious thought.

She arrived at Sofo’s a bit early so she fixed her hair and makeup before walking in to the restaurant. The smell of tomato sauce and garlic greeted her. The bar to her right looked like a European outdoor café. Straight ahead was a wooden podium and a park bench.

“Will there be anyone else joining you this afternoon?” The host asked when she put in her name.

“Yes. He should be here any time. Could I look at a menu while I wait?”

“Of course.” He gave her the menu then returned to rolling silverware in white linen napkins.

She sat down on a bench near the hostess station and read over the menu. The food smelled good but she wasn’t sure if her stomach could hold anything.

“Rachel, glad to see you.” Drew walked in with his arms outstretched. She put down the menu and stood up. He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. It was a once kiss greeting she’d seen on European movies. “You been waiting long?”

“Only about five minutes. I got here early.”

The host led them to a corner table near the back of the room then read them the special off a white card before leaving them.

“Thank you again for meeting me.” Drew said over the top of his menu.

“You’re welcome. I rarely turn down free food.”

“I thought you were buying.” He winked at her and returned to his menu.

After they placed their orders Drew folded his arms and rested them on the table.

“You look absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you.” She smiled.

“I’ve been thinking about you quite a bit.”

“You have?” She tucked a bit of hair behind her ear. “Why?”

“Because I really care about you Rachel.” He reached over and touched her cheek with his fingers.

Drew knew what to say to her and how to look at her. A few moments with him and all was now forgiven. Why had she doubted his sincerity? Any person had a right to be upset when they got led on. She was mad at the way Curtis had-.

Curtis.

She once again saw his face in her mind’s eye. His sincerity and his charm. She looked up at Drew. His hazel eyes were intense.

Drew cocked his head to one side. “Do you have any feelings at all for me?”

The server set down her tray on a stand and placed a salad in front of each of them. Rachel was relieved. It only bought her a few moments though. She got a few lettuce leaves on her fork and took a bite. Drew picked at his salad across the table from her.

“I’m not sure how I feel right now, Drew.”

“Do you feel anything?” His voice didn’t betray much emotion. He was trying to save face.

“I find you attractive.”

“But?” His voice sounded amused as if physical attraction should be enough.

She picked at her salad and took another bite.

“But I don’t know. What are you looking for in a relationship right now?”

“Depends on the woman.”

“What are you looking for in a relationship with me?” She set her fork down and looked straight at him. He pushed tomatoes around his plate.

“I want to take this relationship as far as it will go.” She didn’t reply so after a long pause he continued. “I am done with purely physical relationships with women who are only looking for fun.” He lifted his head and stared straight at her. When she didn’t say anything he continued. “I’m starting to think long term. Maybe live together; see what happens. Hopefully, eventually, I want to settle down.”

How many nights over these last couple of months had she longed to have someone beside her for protection and comfort. And how many of those nights had she needed protection from images of Drew? “What makes you think that I’m that woman?”

“I don’t know.” He wiped his mouth with the linen napkin and placed it back in his lap. “I guess I can only say there is something in your eyes when you look at me. You have an inner strength I don’t often see in women.”

She smiled. Not for the compliment he paid her but for the irony. Her life was crashing in on top of her and she couldn’t figure out which man held her heart. Now Drew was looking her in the eye telling her it was her strength that attracted him to her.

“I’m really not that strong.”

“But you are.” He reached out and took her hand. “You have taken life and squeezed every bit of opportunity out of it possible. You are successful. You know what you want. And you are going to be a wealthy woman one day. You mark my words.”

She moved her fingers and Drew released her hand. “Can we stop talking about me for a bit?”

“If that’s what you’d like.”

“Tell me about you Drew. When you aren’t selling houses what do you do? What do you want to be?”

He picked his fork back up and took a bite of his salad. After he chewed it he started. “You know I’m not sure. I’m a man who loves to live in the moment. The moment is all we’ve really got.”

“And the future?”

“The future is going to happen whether or not I do anything about it. I try to live and be the best person I can be today and trust that tomorrow will reward me for it.” He shrugged his shoulders and took another bite.

Hadn’t this lunch been all about the future? “What do you plan to do with your real estate career?” Rachel asked.

“Well, the market is really slowing down but these things go in cycles. I am going to ride it now and when the market goes back up I’ll be doing quite well for myself.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She thought he was a professional like her.

“Hey, Rachel. You still awake.”

She blinked her eyes and looked at him. “Sorry. So are you a real estate investor?”

“No.” He crinkled his nose. Not a good look for him. “I sell houses. I don’t mess with all that other.”

“How was it you came in to Real Estate?”

He smiled. “Interesting story.” He put his fork down and moved his hands as he spoke. “My brother who is a few years older had read about people making big money in selling houses. At the time we were working various minimum wage jobs and I’d just had to move back with my parents.” He smiled. “Quite embarrassing.”

“I can imagine.”

“Well that was during the big real estate boom and they were almost begging for agents. People couldn’t keep up with the demand. I took the classes to get licensed and started selling houses. Within two months of selling I moved out of my parents’ house and got my place. I got a great deal on it because I knew the listing agent. I never thought I’d be in to selling houses but here I am. It’s a paycheck.”

“Wow, you did well right off the bat.”

“Yep, I had to. I have expensive taste.” He tapped to a gold watch on his left wrist.

The server brought out their main courses. Rachel pushed noodles around on her plate occasionally scooping up a small pile and eating them. As if a light switch flipped the attraction that had bubbled inside her was gone.

Drew bored her. Curtis had ideas that challenged her. He had business sense she respected.

“Rachel, you’re awfully quiet today.” Drew smiled but there was no ache or pull. Simple acknowledgement.

“Sorry. My mind is on a marketing client I’ve been working with.” She wanted to be with that marketing client right now instead of running back to the same kind of man she’d wasted all these years chasing.

The server brought out the check and set it next to Drew. Rachel reached across for it. “Let me pay.”

He pushed his plate to one side. “Why would you want to do that?”

“You’ve paid the other times.”

He straightened his back. “I invited you to lunch. I will pay.” His tapped one finger on the table as he spoke through tight lips.

“I would feel better if I paid for this.”

“What has gotten in to you today? I am a perfect gentleman, I invite you out and talk about the future with you. What exactly are you looking for?”

“It’s not you. It’s-.”

“Oh I know it’s not me.” He pushed the plastic folder holding the check over to her side. “It’s you. Do you really think you can buy me off by paying one lousy twenty dollar lunch tab?”

Rachel put her credit card on the tray and set it on the edge of the table. “What do you mean buy you off?”

“Come now. We both know you are fairly wise to the ways of men and women.” He scanned her up and down. Rachel pulled her sweater across the front of her. “When a man goes out with a lady for a bit it comes with certain…expectations.”

“Drew, I appreciate the meal but I don’t think right now is a good time for me to be in a relationship.”

“Fine. If you don’t want to make some kind of long term commitment but I’ve invested quite a bit of my time in you.” His tone was steady as if he were explaining to her why a charge was so high. “And you’ve been leading on pretty strong.”

“I’ve been confused.”

“Oh, you’ve been confused.” The server walked out and handed Rachel the receipt. Rachel signed it and handed it back. “Then let me clear things up for you a bit. I don’t have time for women who want to play games.”

“I have a lot going on in my life right now. I thought this was what I wanted.” She motioned between them with her hand indicating the relationship.

“I’m fairly accustomed to getting what I want Rachel.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Whatever.” He stood up and bumped the corner of the table with his thigh. Drinks sloshed and coffee splattered on Rachel’s outfit. He didn’t say a word of apology but stood up and snatched his jacket off the back of the chair and walked out of the restaurant.

She looked down at her watch. It was almost 4:15. She should try to beat rush hour home.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 29

2009-06-26T07:27:00.002-04:00

Twenty-nine

Saturday morning Rachel woke up and looked at the clock. It was 10:30? She hadn’t slept that late since college. She picked up the romance novel from her nightstand and went down to the kitchen. The coffee pot had automatically shut off at some point and now the coffee starting to cool off. The timer was set for 8:30 which was when she was usually up on the weekends. Her head was throbbing. Most likely the headache was from all the crying she’d done the night before. Hopefully coffee would help but if not she’d need medicine for this one.

She stretched out on her chaise lounge and opened her book. After reading the same page for the third time she set it aside. The book was no more help this morning in getting her mind off Curtis than it had been the night before. He was foremost in her mind. What Shannon had said made a lot of sense. He was only asking her to go to church once. She wouldn’t be this upset if he’d asked her to a hockey game. Though she had no desire to do that either. Really it was the principle of it. He knew her feelings about church but yet he still tried to get her there. If she could cut that part out of him things would be great between the two of them.

She lifted her mug and sipped at her coffee. It was only warm so she took a gulp and set the mug down on the table beside her. When had her life gone so out of control? She closed her eyes and laid her head back against the large pillows of the Chaise. Relationships were so complicated now. None of her friends wanted to go out and have fun. They suddenly worried about where everything was going. Except for her and Shannon, everyone’s clocks started ticking at once and now there was a mad dash to find “the one”. There was no sense of enjoying the moment.

Now even Shannon was starting to turn on her. Since when did she become a Bible thumper? Maybe the roses had given Shannon a Jesus experience? Rachel wasn’t sure what to think now. To be honest she would love to go back in time before she ever met Drew or Curtis or any of this mess.

“There were no roses before all this.”

She couldn’t listen to the questions pounding in her mind over and over. There were no answers to them. People were confusing and relationships were messy. She wanted to scream in frustration but that was reality. All this was not going to fit in a neat package.

She stood up and went to her kitchen for a dust rag. A sense of order would make her feel better. There was something soothing in the scent of pine and lemon in a sparkling clean house. At 2:15 the phone rang. She picked it up and pushed the talk button as she walked up to her bedroom.

“Hi Rachel, it’s Drew.”

“Hi.” She forced her voice to be calm.

“I was wondering if you had plans for the afternoon.”

“Right now I’m dusting.” She walked in to her bedroom and moved things off her dresser and on to her bed. She swiped the surface and tops of the drawers with a disposable dusting cloth.

“Is that a brush-off like washing your hair?”

“No it’s what I’m doing.”

“I should have known you were a neat freak. I like that. You’re welcome to come to my place any time and clean up.”

“I’ve seen your place. It is cleaner than mine.” She had no plans to ever step foot in his house again.

“If you say so.” He cleared his throat. “I was calling to see if maybe we couldn’t get together this afternoon and talk a little.”

“I don’t know if…”

“Before you say no hear me out. I don’t like the way things ended the other night. I feel really bad about my response. I should have respected your feelings more.” He paused. When she didn’t fill the dead air he continued. “I was a real jerk and I want to make it up to you. I’m really a nice guy. I don’t know why I acted like that.”

“I shouldn’t have led you on like that.”

“You didn’t lead me on. I thought we had a great time together and that we clicked.”

“We did. I don’t know why I acted so weird.”

“So will you meet me then?”

He was calling to apologize. That had to count for something. It was more than Curtis had done. Typical. She didn’t want to ruin any salvageable part of her relationship with Curtis but didn’t look like much of a priority to him at the moment. It was better to have a man who desired your than one who wanted to baptize you.

How would he feel if she went out with Drew? He probably wouldn’t like it. But she didn’t like what he was doing to her either. He was supposed to call today and it was mid-afternoon and she hadn’t heard boo from him. If he wanted to act like this he wasn’t worth worrying about.

“Rachel?”

“I’m thinking.” What if Curtis called when she was with Drew? Guilt grab hold of her. “Today isn’t good. Can we get together on Monday after work?”

“Are you sure? Dinner sounds a lot more serious than coffee.”

“I’m sure. Today doesn’t work well for me. I need a down day to be grubby. Work’s been really hectic and I was looking forward to living in sweat pants this weekend.”

His voice brightened. “I can understand that. I’ll meet you Monday after work at Sofo’s is that okay?”

“Sofo’s at 6? Will that work for you?”

“Perfect.”

She hung up the phone and started pulling pillows off her bed. She picked up the knife under her pillow and set it on the nightstand. Was she making a huge mistake by seeing Drew? It didn’t matter. She was living in the moment. Sticking to her princliples. Enough worrying about every little decisionthese guys entered her life. She shook her pillow out of its case.

Her mistake was over-analyzing every aspect of her relationships. Just roll with it and stop trying to figure everything out. She turned on the radio in her room to drown out her own thoughts.

Rachel walked around the bed pulling the sheet loose and rolling it in to a ball to take to the washing machine.

Pain shot up through her toe. “Ouch.” She yelled then plopped down on the bed and looked at the bottom of her foot. She’d stepped on something sharp.

“What did I step on?” She looked down on the floor. There was nothing there. Moving carefully, she checked the floor. Nothing. She knelt and lifted the dust ruffle. With her heart pounding in her chest she pulled. Time to be carefree like she’d been before out a rose stem with the bloom cut off. The ends were dry and the thorn that had poked in her foot was snapped off.

She took the rose and threw it in her trash can. Was there any other way a rose could have ended up under her bed. No. There was only one way and it meant somehow he’d gotten in her house.

Without another thought to the pain in her foot Rachel jumped off her bed and ran from room to room. Somewhere a window had been left open. He would not get in again. On the second floor everything was locked. She ran down to the first floor and checked the windows and doors. Every window was latched and the doors were locked.

The door to the basement stood open an inch. She was certain she had closed that door before she went to bed. Did he come in while she slept? The hair on her arms rose as she thought of the image of a silhouetted man standing by her bed watching her sleep. She grabbed a knife and flipped on the light to the basement. It was still except for the hum of the heater. She stepped on to the first step. No rustling or foot steps.

Second step, still no sounds.

Her ears were tuned to any sound that may be in the basement. Slowly she moved down the steps pausing to listen for movement of any kind. The naked light bulb showed a stack of boxes she hadn’t yet unpacked. The curtain was drawn across the sliding glass door. Her socks allowed the cold in the cement floor to soak in to her foot. The hair stood up on the back of her neck. She scanned left and right as she crossed the basement to the door. Nothing to give her an indication that he’d been there.

She reached the door and pulled the curtain back. Overhead something clacked and rolled across the kitchen floor.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 28

2009-06-23T07:22:00.009-04:00

Twenty-eight

Rachel placed the bill in the envelope, sealed it and placed it in the basket with the other outgoing mail. Then she called Shannon.
“What’s up hon?” Shannon said without greeting.
“Is there something wrong with me?” Rachel tried to sound funny but it came out pathetic.
“What is it now?”
“Men.”
Shannon laughed. “I know there are so many of them in your life. Most women would be thrilled
with your problem.”
“They would not. It is one thing to have a man in your life. It is quite another to have two different men in your life when you’re not sure if either is right for you at all.”
“Date didn’t go so well?”
“Not really.”
“What happened?”
“He invited me to church.”
“Rachel, it was bound to happen.”
“I know but…”
“Do you like him?”
She groaned and plopped down on the couch. “I don’t know. I think so.”
“Well do you or don’t you?”
“Yes. I really like him.”
“Then go with him to church. You go with your mom and she’s not a good kisser.” Shannon laughed.
“I can’t believe you’re telling me this after-.”
“After Nate?”
“Well…yes.”
“Curtis isn’t Nate.”
“Yes, but-.”
“No, but. Church is nothing but a social group. There’s a support structure with people who have a common interest.”
“But we don’t agree with that.” Shannon had never wavered in all the time Rachel had known her. She gripped the phone tight. “Why would you tell me to go?”
“My thoughts. Do what feels good. If right now it feels good to date Curtis then church is part of the deal. If you two don’t work out then you do things with your new lover. It is no different than going to football games with a sportsman.”
“But Nate didn’t leave me for football.” Rachel screamed in the phone. “He left me for church.”
“He left you for one of those freaky commune things Rachel. That is why I told you to stay away from religious people. People get fanatical about things. But you kept this Curtis thing going.”
“I can’t help it. He makes me happy.”
“Well go with it. If he makes you happy do what you gotta do to stay with him. If that means go to church then go every once in a while. As long as you don’t start to buy in to their con you’ll be fine.”
“But-.”
“Go once and see what he’s like there. Make an appearance if you really like him. It’s not like you’re signing up for church or anything.”
How could Shannon be the one who suggested she do this? “But what if he wants me to start going all the time?”
“I guess you’ll have to make that decision then but if he only asked you to come once then go for it.”
They talked for a bit longer then Rachel hung up the phone and put her feet up on the coffee table. She wanted to do this and still save face. Curtis couldn’t think that he’d won anything.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at http://www.writingcareercoach.com/
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 27

2009-06-19T07:29:00.001-04:00

Twenty-seven

Logan hung up with Rachel and slammed his phone down. Thankfully it hit a cushion and bounced.

“Who does she think she is, talking to me like that?” He paced from one side of the room to the other. “She doesn’t know who she is dealing with here. I don’t put up with disrespectful women.” His voice echoed in the empty house. He walked to the bookshelf and stared directly at the 8 x 10 of Rachel in the frame.

“I could have any woman I want but I chose you. You were the one, the perfect one.” His jaw was tight. His teeth were pressed so tight together his head throbbed.

“And you would dare to speak to me in that way?” He slammed his fist on the table as he walked past. Pain surged up through his wrist in to his arm. He yelled out a foul word then rubbed his wrist. “Who do you think you are speaking to me like that Rachel?” He said again wagging his finger at her picture. “We’ll get that spunk out of you right away. You’ll learn submission to me.”

He lifted her photo and set it on the floor by his feet. “You’ll learn to submit.” He kicked the picture over with the side of his foot and went to the bouquet of roses in the kitchen. It was time to contact her again. Leave another message to her, let her know he was close. He pulled out the white one and tied it with a ribbon. The roses fragrance wafted up and desire overwhelmed him. The anger drained from his body and all that remained was the need to be one with Rachel. He walked back to the other room and bent down to the photo on the floor.

“I’m sorry, Beautiful.” He lifted the photo, wiped the glass and placed it back on the bookshelf. “I didn’t mean it. I get angry sometimes. Don’t worry. I’m not really like that.”

“I have a flower for you. It’s a rose. You know what that means? We are one step closer to being together.” He inhaled the rose’s fragrance again then laid it down in front of her photo. “You’re right. I do need to learn a bit more patience. I’m working on it.” He smiled at the photo. “I shouldn’t be so hard on you. You’re just nervous about being in love.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 26

2009-04-24T07:13:00.000-04:00

Twenty-six

“It is great to see you. How was your trip?” Curtis leaned forward with his elbows on the table as he spoke.

“Relaxing. I need to get away more often.” Rachel sipped her water after she spoke. She had enjoyed two nights of restful sleep. In Chicago there was no fear of roses appearing and noises that go bump in the night. She had shopped and ate out and enjoyed girl talk with Shannon well into the night.

“I’m glad to hear it. You’ve been pretty uptight the last few times we’ve talked.”

“I have a lot on my mind. It’s been an eventful couple of months.”

“How?” He asked and reached out to put his hand on top of hers.

She looked down at their hands as butterflies flapped in her stomach. She wanted to be comforted by his touch but right now it made her uneasy. It made no sense for them to be attracted to each other at all. Curtis was the kind of guy a woman would settle down and start a life with. Before they met she didn’t think she was ready yet to be that kind of woman.

“I find myself thinking a lot about the future these days.”

“You do?” He gently squeezed her hand. “Am I in it?”

The truth was always nice but that would require submission that was beyond her ability right now. It would mean allowing him to not only penetrate but remove the armor she wore. She couldn’t allow a man that close.

On the other hand, life without Curtis in it would be unbearable. She had figured that out while in Chicago. For all the glitter and fun she had more than once wished it was Curtis rather than Shannon at her side.

“You might be.” She made her voice playful. Coy was always best.

“Good. I want to be in your future.” He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it, then he gently sat it back down on the table. “Rachel, I’d like you to come to church with me on Sunday.”

“Why?” She hadn’t meant for her voice to sound so disgusted but the request had surprised her.

“I want you to get to know me better.” He sounded defensive at her response.

“That is what we’re doing right now. We are taking time to know each other.”

“Yes but Rachel this is only the smallest, most superficial part of me. I want you to know who I am at my essence, my core.”

“Has this whole thing been some evangelism device for you?” It wasn’t how she planned to bring up the subject but now there it was. She wasn’t going to retract them.

“Do you think that poorly of me?” He leaned back and folded his arms. His eyes were intense. It was something she hadn’t thought he was capable of and it made her feel like a naughty child who’d gotten mud on her good clothes. “I don’t prostitute myself for the gospel.”

“I’m not sure what I think. I’m not trying to change you, Curtis, but every time I think I may have feelings for you, you throw church at me.” Her voice was steadily raising. She looked up. They were beginning to get an audience. She leaned in slightly and lowered her voice. “I want to have a good time with you but I’m not interested in church stuff.”

“Fine.” He sat up straight. She knew that pose. It was the same one she used when she knew there was no further debate.

They sat in almost complete silence until the food arrived then the silence was only broken by the occasional slurp or fork squeaking on the plate. They finished their meal, passed on dessert and walked to the parking lot.

Curtis pulled his keys out of his pocket and folded his arms. “I’m glad you got home safe.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll call in a few days if I don’t hear from you first.” He fidgeted with his keys.

“Fine.” She wanted this fight to be over but she wasn’t going to be the one to make the first move. The fact that he wouldn’t admit that he had ruined their afternoon by brining up church again. “I’ll talk to you later then.”

“Yep.” He turned and walked away from her.

She watched him walk away. As much as her body cried out “Come back”. Her pride wouldn’t let her do it. Why couldn’t he accept her answers? Some people have reasons for not going to church. It didn’t make them bad people.

He put his car in reverse and pull out of the parking lot. In her romance novels this was the moment that her phone would chime and he’d apologize… She reached in her purse for the phone. He didn’t understand her reasons. Maybe she should apologize now, not let him go. She flipped it open. A silly picture of her and Shannon appeared on the screen. She closed the phone and climbed in her car.

She turned up the CD that on the way over had made her skin ache for Curtis’ touch. Now as the final notes played it was more a haunting reminder that some people out there were happy and in love. She brushed away a tear and pushed the back button to start the song over again.

The pain felt good, familiar and tangible. The sweet first words of the song talked about the freshness of new love. Rachel let them wash over her as she began her short drive home. Slow teardrops rolled out of the corners of her eyes. Loneliness gave way to anger and frustration. Why would she date him knowing he’d want to change a chunk of her?

When they were together she felt safe, truly alive. Curtis made her want to strive to be better, as if, in some way, all her accomplishments weren’t quite enough.

But if she wanted to change then why was she mad at him?

The song ended and she pushed the repeat button. The music cleared her thinking. He had something she wanted. He was genuine. There were no ulterior motives when she was with him. They didn’t have awkward moments because she knew that they wouldn’t spend the night. He wouldn’t give himself fully to her yet which only made her want him more.

Even with all that she wasn’t about to find religion for him. Frustration rose up in her again. Just this past spring she had it all together and now everything changed. Of the two men in her life the decision should be duh-simple. One is was successful, handsome and passionate for her. The other is was successful, cute and passionate for her soul.

As the song started up for the fourth time she turned in to her driveway and pulled behind the house into the garage. She popped the CD out of the player and carried it in the house. The evening was cool and she averted her eyes from the long shadows made by the streetlights. The dog a few houses down barked. She jumped.

“Stupid dog. Can’t they hear that thing barking every night.” There always had to be one neighbor that ruined it for the block. She knew she’d be home after dark so this time she’d left every light on in the house. She reached in and pulled the mail out of the box then felt around to be sure she hadn’t missed any and locked the door. After she placed a mug of water in the microwave she walked to the counter next to the trashcan to go through her mail. The stack of papers turned in to three bills after throwing out the solicitation and credit card offers.

She ripped open the credit card bill. Might as well get rid of the worst one first. She scanned down the page and saw the body shop charge. “There is how much in new charges? I’d better call Jeremy.” She scrolled through the contact list in her phone and pushed send after highlighting his number.

“Hello.”

“Hi Jeremy, this is Rachel.”

“Hello Rachel.”

“I got the car fixed and I realized when I got my credit card statement that I never mailed you the statement. Can I get your address again?”

Her call waiting beeped. She’d let it go to voicemail.

“Sure thing it’s-.”

Her other line beeped again.

“I’m sorry. Jeremy, can you hold on just one second. My other line keeps beeping.”

“Of course, no problem.” His voice had a hint of hesitation.

“Hello?”

“Rachel, it’s Curtis.”

“Um…I-.”

“I want to talk.” He sounded more like ‘Let’s see other people.’ Than ‘Let’s work things out.’ She wasn’t ready for that.

“I have someone on the other line. Can we maybe talk tomorrow?”

“I really think we should talk now.” No, she couldn’t hear this right now.

“I can’t. I’ve got to handle this on the other line.” She choked back tears.

“Fine. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” The tone in his voice didn’t give her much hope.

“Bye.”

“Yep.”

She punched back over.

“Jeremy?”

“Yes.”

“The address?”

“Do you still have my card?”

“Yes.”

“It’s on there.” He hurried her with clipped answers. It was just as well. She wasn’t in a chatty mood.

“Okay, thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Good-bye.”

“Bye.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 25

2009-04-03T07:57:00.000-04:00

Twenty-five

An owl hooted on a branch. Logan sat crouched in his hiding spot from which he could clearly see Rachel’s house. During his nights under Aunt Tulla’s Oak he’d heard owls hoot. He pushed the button on the side of his digital watch. A small light brightened the LCD face. It was after nine and she wasn’t home. He balled his fist, trying to defeat the urge to pound it into the tree at his right.”

“Rachel what do you think you’re doing.” He whispered through clenched teeth. “Didn’t you learn your lesson?” He was going to have to teach her. The message last week hadn’t been enough for her. He turned to watch a cop car drive up the street. The next one wouldn’t be through for a few hours. Slowly he stepped out of his hiding place and crossed the grass to the back door. He pulled out his key ring and fingered her house key.

The key slid in the lock and turned the knob. After he put them in his pocket he wiped down the door handle and slid on his black leather gloves.

Street lights illuminated her kitchen. The counters were impeccably clean. Not a scrap of paper laying about. Bananas hung from a wooden holder and papers were stacked neatly in a basket. He removed his shoes and left them by the back door then walked through the kitchen stopping from time to time to open her cabinets. He shined a flashlight in the cupboards and admired the rows of canned goods. Each was grouped with its own kind and the labels were lined up facing out.

“My beautiful Rachel is neat and tidy.” The cupboards had various canned and boxed goods neatly arranged on paper covered shelves. The refrigerator had little more than a calendar and a few magnets in neat rows. It was perfect.

He stepped in the living room but quickly moved in the dining room so the small lamp on her end table wouldn’t give him away. He wiped his white handkerchief along the wooden piece of furniture that held her linens. Not a bit of dust and the linens were neatly folded and arranged in the drawers. A group of wicker balls in a ceramic basket sat in the center of her dining room table. He’d seen these before. They were overpriced cat toys that decorators used to pad their commissions. Poor Rachel had fallen for the scam.

He left the dining room and tiptoed up the steps. These were the steps Rachel walked up and down every day. His mind drifted to images of her in her night clothes on the steps wrapped in a fluffy robe. At the top of the steps a hallway opened to the left and to the right. He walked down the hall and peaked in to each of the rooms ending with her room. Soon that would be their bedroom where they would be one together. Where they would start their perfect life.

He walked in to her bedroom, clicked on the light looked at her bed. Waiting had been good for him. In the past he had always taken what he wanted, what was owed to him. This time he was doing it right. He would slowly romance her. Heighten the desire so when they were finally together it would be.

Perfect.

Her bed was a bit more modern then he would have chosen but he knew she was a modern girl. He walked around the bed but didn’t touch any of the things on her dresser.

“Which side of the bed is mine?”

He looked and saw the alarm clock on the right.

“I guess I’m on the left.”

He went back to the left side of the bed and knelt down. His body vibrated with excitement. What would she do if she came home and found him waiting in their bed for her? Would that make her happy?

“No, Alpha Mu Epsilon.” He whispered. “Stick to the plan, Alpha Mu Epsilon.” Of course that was right but he couldn’t leave quite yet. He went back around to her side of the bed, noting the way she tucked in the sheets. They were in tight with the blankets turned down at the top then tucked under the mattress. Two pillows were at the head of the bed with a round pillow and two tootsie roll decorative pillows leaning against them. He reached behind the decorative pillow, lifted her pillow to his face and inhaled deeply. Laundry detergent mixed with the Vanilla scent of her perfume. It was the smell of desire.

“Oh Rachel, how predictable.” He reached down and touched the blade of the knife she kept under her pillow. “A small piece of metal won’t keep us apart.” He laughed and shook his head while he put her pillow back and smoothed down the blankets.

“I am growing weary of your disobedience Rachel but in time all will be amended.”

He stepped away from the bed and opened the small top drawer of her dresser. Satin night gown in jewel tones were lined up next to pantyhose. He lifted out the top night gown. It was sapphire blue. This is the one he would pick for her to wear. He tossed it on the bed. The spaghetti straps landed near the pillows and the end draped over the edge of the bed. He walked to the side of the bed, moved the decorative pillow and repositioned the gown. He looked over to the nightstand where a photo of Rachel and that other woman sat is a black wrought iron frame.

He layed the photo down and put the gown on top. She smiled up at him much like she would their first night together. He walked to the bathroom. Her toiletries were all gone. No toothbrush. No perfume.

Who was she with tonight?

His skin that had burned with lust now burned with rage. She tried his patience. Rachel would learn about loyalty.

He snatched up her gown and put it back along with the picture. He would leave her a message, this one unmistakable. Next would have to be punishment.

God required punishment.

Alpha Mu Epsilon required it.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.

Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com

Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.

This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.

Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 24

2009-03-31T07:48:00.000-04:00

Twenty-four
Rachel hoisted a bag on her shoulder. “I’ve been counting down for this Chicago trip. I’m going to make my MasterCard groan under the weight of my shopping spree.” She loved their fall excursion to Chicago. The weather was cooler this year than last year so they wouldn’t spend as much time peering in to shop windows as they usually. Instead they’d booked a spa day, well spa afternoon really, to get pampered before returning to the chaos leading up to the holidays.
“No you won’t. You’ll agonize all day over a few purchases, decide on one and then put it back because it’s too expensive.” Shannon held the screen door open so Rachel could lock up the house. Then they walked down to the car where Shannon already had a few bags leaning against the back tire.
“I’ve got to be smart with my money. I want to settle down in a few years and I hate stories of people getting married and having all those credit card bills.” Rachel pushed the unlock button on her key ring.
“And that is why you handle the books at the office.”
“I wouldn’t go in to business with you if I didn’t.” She raised her eyebrow in a motherly scold and set the bag down by the car. Shannon’s lack of responsibility with money was legendary. “Do you ever think about starting a family?”
“Where in the world did that come from?” Shannon put her bags next to Rachel’s.
“Thoughts pop in my head sometimes…So do you?”
“Sure I dream about it sometimes. Then I wake up screaming in a cold sweat.”
Rachel folded her arms and glared at Shannon.
“Where’d your sense of humor go?”
“I’m not trying to be funny right now. I really want to know.”
“I’d say with the right guy I’d love to start a serious relationship and maybe have a kid or two. But I haven’t found him yet so I’m not too worried about someday.”
“I wonder if I’ll recognize him when I find him.” Rachel dug her toe in the dirt.
“We’re only thirty. I have a couple more good years of freedom and I want to enjoy them without longing for something I don’t have or worrying about whether I’ll find him.” She pretended to swoon like the women in black and white western reruns.
“I wonder sometimes if I did things in the wrong order.” Rachel folded her arms across her chest. “I wonder if I should have looked for a family and then started a career.”
“It’s not what you did so why worry about it?”
“I don’t know.”
“Rachel, I know this guy’s got you freaked with the roses. I’m pretty freaked about it too. The police are watching the area and watching your house. Those other girls…” Shannon’s voice trailed off. She took a deep breath and continued. “None of them had a chance. If he wanted you dead he would have killed you.” Her eyes were intense. She touched Rachel’s shoulder. “I am not entirely convinced that it is really him. The news didn’t make any mention of him leaving flowers along the way. He left flowers on dead bodies.”
Rachel wrapped her arms around her waist and tears burned in her eyes. She wanted to believe every word of what Shannon was saying but how could she? Who could understand a crazy killer? And even if it wasn’t the guy on TV, what if it was Drew. The crazed look in his eyes as she pulled out of his driveway gave her chills.
“Rachel. You are going to be fine. We are going to Chicago. There are no white roses there. No relationship issues or any of that. There are only clothing stores and massages. Let’s go and relax.”
Rachel nodded her head in agreement and walked around the car to the back. Shannon followed her with the bags. The release latch clicked and she lifted the lid. Inside was a single white rose, with a black ribbon.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 23

2009-03-27T07:47:00.000-04:00

Twenty-three
Rachel pulled a long French fry out of its box and dunked it in ketchup.
“You know you didn’t have to pick Wendy’s for lunch.” Curtis said for the second or third time.
“Don’t you like Wendy’s”
“I do but when I invited you to lunch I didn’t expect to bring you some place where your food was served on paper. I would have sprung for more.”
“I know.” She looked up at him. “This doesn’t count. You still owe me dinner.”
“I see.” He picked up his cheeseburger and started eating again.
Shannon would not approve at all if she knew where she was today. And a couple months ago she probably wouldn’t have been here either. Possibly she would but she wouldn’t be here feeling the way she did. Curtis balled up the paper his burger came in and set it off to the side of the table.
“You’re awfully quiet.” His hand moved toward her side of the table then hesitated. She desperately wanted his hand to cross the invisible line down the center of the table and touch hers.
“Sorry. Not much of a conversationalist today I guess.”
“I wish I could do something. Do you want to talk about it?”
Of course she did but talking wouldn’t help, especially not with Curtis. She couldn’t risk Curtis getting upset over her date with Drew and there was no way to tell him about the roses and not tell him who she thought could be leaving them.
“Not really. I don’t want to think about it right now.” She moved her hand closer to the invisible line down the middle of the table that separated the two of them. She, of course, couldn’t stop thinking about ‘it’. ‘It’ had been her all consuming thought since last night. Before that there was a lingering voice in the back of her mind warning of danger but that danger now had a face. A face her mother had brought in to her life. A face that knew her address and all about her.
Curtis reached across the line and touched the back of her hand. “Why don’t I take you to your mom’s house and you can come out and pick your car up another day. You look exhausted.”
She heard the sounds of his words but her attention was on the searing heat below his fingertips on the back of her hand. Tingles ran up her arm and straight to her heart. Her muscles relaxed in a moment and she knew that this was one of the little loves penetrating the armor that had surrounded her heart since Nate hurt her.
Since Shannon had helped her erase the pain.
Since the days when she had stopped praying.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 22

2009-03-24T07:45:00.000-04:00

Twenty-two
Rachel turned in to the gas station and groaned at the price. It had jumped up six cents since the day before. It was like the lottery and she kept picking the wrong numbers. She closed the gas tank and looked at the dent. She didn’t feel like messing with that thing but she was only going to get busier moving in to fall.
The repair wouldn’t take long at all and then she could go get a nap at mom’s house. She scrolled through the contact list on her cell phone until she saw Jeremy’s name. He answered on the second ring.
“Jeremy, this is Rachel. With the car.” She pulled in to the parking space next to the gas station.
“Hi.”
“I wanted to go try to get this thing fixed since I’m off work today. I was wondering if you could give me the name and number of that body shop you like.” She was trying to mask her exhaustion with an overly happy voice.
“The one in Woodhaven?”
“Yes.” She started to look for something to write with. It would have been smart to have that ready when she called for a phone number.
“Here it is.” He gave her the number and the shop name. “Then mail the bill to the address on my card and I’ll get you paid back.”
“I will. Thanks.” She flipped the phone shut after he said goodbye and then called to see if the body shop had an appointment open for a small dent. Fifteen minutes later she was sitting in the corner of the repair shop’s lobby. She slumped down in a seat and closed her eyes. She wouldn’t fall asleep, no just a small rest from the noise and lights going on around her.
Her cell phone hummed against her hip. She glanced at it, Curtis.
“Hi Rachel.”
“Hello.”
“I called the office and they said you were sick. Are you okay?”
“Exhausted. I’ve had trouble sleeping the last few weeks.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Having a hard time adjusting to the new house?”
His voice was soothing. She fought to keep her voice from cracking into tears. “I’ve been under quite a bit of stress. I’m going to my parent’s later to try to rest at their house. Right now I’m getting a dent fixed on my car then I’m heading over there.”
“I’m going to come get you and take you to lunch.”
“You don’t have to do that.” She said it but the thought of his company was starting to appeal to her.
“No, I feel bad after dinner the other night. I want to make it up to you.”
“Okay, I guess you do owe me.”
He laughed. “Where are you at?”
“Smitty’s in Woodhaven.”
“Really, I know the owners. They’re great people.”
“That’s reassuring.” She looked around the three other dirty chairs that made up the waiting room. It had to be pretty difficult keeping a place clean when everyone there had their hands in oil and grease all day.
“I’ll be over there as soon as I can. How long is it going to take them to fix the car?”
“They told me it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to do but they have a few cars ahead of mine. I have to be back before five.”
“I won’t keep you that long. You need your rest but I would like a chance to see you again.”
She hung up the phone and walked in to the restroom which consisted of a toilet, sink and small mirror. A dried out air freshener in its white column couldn’t overpower a windowless bathroom that lacked ventilation and a roll of paper towels sat on the back of the sink.
She looked at her reflection in the mirror and groaned. When she drug herself out of bed to meet her mom she had barely bothered to clip her hair up. The mop of brown hair on top of her head resembled a fountain.
She dug around in her purse and pulled out her lipstick. She couldn’t tell in the dim yellow light if this was making things better or worse. She pulled her hair down out of the clip and tried fluffing it with her fingers. That was even worse. Her eyes were puffy from sleep deprivation.
“This is a lost cause.” She combed her hair back with her fingers and flipped it back up to the fountain hair-do.
He wanted to see her again.
Rachel put everything back in her purse and went out to the waiting room. When had everything changed? She had fun with Adam and Curtis at her parents house. He was like a friend of the family who was as comfortable talking business with her brother as she was the church calendar with her parents or Chinese food with Rachel. But somewhere along the line something changed and now he called because he wants to see her again.
She looked out the front window to see if his car was coming yet. The scariest thing was she wanted to see him again too. Despite their differences there was enough sameness in the two of them that she smiled more when he was around.
There was nothing that would have made her stop in a bar and talk to him, not that he’d ever step in to a bar. It was little things. Her mom told her when she used to cry about a boy at school not liking her that Rachel needed to look for little things.
Rach, honey, you can’t go lookin’ for some guy who’s handsome, or popular or any of that. You need to find a man who’s got the little things. Gentleness, genuine, respects you, those are the little loves that when they’re all together make the big love. You go looking for the big love without those other little loves then your love’ll die.
But she wasn’t talking about love here. No it was vulnerability. Her happiness could be affected by something as simple as lunch with Curtis now and she didn’t know when it happened.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 21

2009-03-20T07:44:00.000-04:00

Twenty-One
Rachel sat quietly in the corner of the coffee shop with her back to the wall. She sipped at a double espresso and nibbled on a bagel to try to calm the waves of nausea in her stomach. Was he here in this coffee shop, watching her? Two tear drops leaked from her eyes. She wiped her cheeks dry and tried to calm down with deep breaths. Deep breaths did nothing to calm the shaking inside her.
“Excuse me miss?” A lanky young man walked to her table and stared down at her.
She looked up at him without speaking.
“Is this seat taken?” He pointed to the chair to her right.
“Um, I.”
Her mom walked to the table and plopped her large purse on the table. “Sorry I’m late. Had a devil of a time finding a parking spot.”
“Are you expecting others?” The man said again, this time to her mom.
“No, please. You can have the chair.” She said and pulled the edge of the chair out for him.
“Thanks.” He lifted the chair just above the floor and took it to a table full of high school or new college students. She wasn’t sure which.
“Rachel!” She spun and looked at her mom. “Honey, you feelin’ alright? You look pale.”
“Didn’t sleep well.”
Her mom eyed her for a moment then dug a ten dollar bill out of her wallet. “I’ll be right back. I need to get my coffee. You want me to get something for you?”
“No. Thanks.”
“You look completely exhausted.”
“Yes, I am. I think I’m taking the day off to try and get some rest.”
“Glad to see you taking some time to yourself.” She scooted her chair up to the table. “If you’re not feelin’ well how bout you come on over to the house? Stay with your dad, Adam and me. There is nothing worse than being all alone when you don’t feel good.” She smiled and patted Rachel’s hand. “I best get up there. Coffee’s not bringing itself over here.” Her mom turned and walked over to the line in front of the counter.
Rachel wanted to tell her mom what was going on. She mouthed the words “Mom, the fratboy killer is after me.” Tears caught the words in her throat. Her body ached. Rest was what she needed. Uninterrupted sleep for more than thirty minutes at a time would do her so much good. She wiped her eyes again.
No she needed the creep caught. She needed some peace. She pushed her coffee cup away and concentrated on the people around her.
Any one of these people could be the killer. She looked around at the tables of guys in their twenty’s and thirty’s. It was close to half of the people. She turned and looked over her shoulder then quickly turned forward again. No less than eight men were looking in her direction or stole a passing glance.
Her mom walked back to the table, her coffee in a to-go cup and sleeve. “So you want to follow me home?”
“Uh, I, no. I need to swing by the office for a few things first.” Rachel tried to wipe the fatigue from her eyes. “I’ll be by in a little while.”
“Rachel, I don’t think you’re in any condition ta go drivin’ all over.”
“I’ll be there soon mom.”
Her mom hugged her, first time she’d done that in quite a while, then walked to her own car. Rachel climbed in her car and locked the doors behind her. Her body melted in to the seat. If she could close her eyes for two, maybe three, minutes she’d feel so much better. She blinked long blinks and allowed her body to soak up the moments or rest.
Her cell vibrated in her hand. She jumped and fumbled with the phone.
“Hello.”
“You sure you don’t want me driving you?” Her mom said. Then Rachel heard to honks on a horn outside her window. “Caught you nappin’” Her mom said through the phone. She was about four car lengths from Rachel.
“I’ll see you later this afternoon, mom.” Her mom waved and slowly pulled her car on the road.
Rachel felt a little guilty for calling off but she would have been completely worthless in the office. She couldn’t concentrate on anything. She only needed to stay awake and alert for another hour and then she could rest.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 20

2009-03-17T07:42:00.000-04:00

Twenty
Rachel sat erect with her back against the headboard, legs drawn up against her chest. She stared at her bedroom door, ears alert to every sound. Each time a dog barked or the house creaked the hair on her arms stood up. He was out there. He knew she was alone.
She reached under the pillow beside her and ran her fingers along the handle of the knife she had taken to bed. A baseball bat was propped against her night stand. If he came for her tonight she wasn’t going without a fight. The police said they would patrol her street and keep an extra eye on the house.
She should try to sleep. The alarm was set and the police were patrolling. If he wanted her dead he’d have killed her tonight. He was scaring her. Tears ran down her cheeks. Loneliness enveloped her. Her bedroom was silent except for her breathing. She slid down under her blankets. Her eyes were heavy. It was two-thirty in the morning. She only had to last four hours. Then this night would be over.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 19

2009-03-13T07:40:00.000-04:00

Nineteen
Logan stood across the street hidden by a large oak tree. Rachel was standing on her front porch looking at the rose he had placed there. He smiled with satisfaction. She was completely surprised.
“I know there’s another man, Rachel.” He whispered. He watched her step slowly on to the porch and pick up the rose and take it in the house. “Do you think you can leave me? You are mine, Rachel.” He watched her pull the blinds closed on her front windows. His smile widened. She got the message.
Normally she’d have to be punished for her betrayal tonight but he knew she’d make it right when they were together. She knew she belonged to him now. Every ounce of manhood within him screamed out to charge in the house right now, don’t wait.
“No.” He hissed. Patience. Love, patience and long-suffering. Slowly. He had to follow the plan. She had the message now. She would think twice before betraying him again.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 18

2009-03-10T12:38:00.000-04:00

Eighteen
Rachel turned into her driveway, skin still tingling with fear. She had glanced at her review mirror every few seconds searching for any sign Drew had followed her. Of course that was ridiculous, after tonight he’d never want to see her again. She parked in the driveway behind her house. A few houses down the neighbor’s dog barked in their front yard. The hair on the back of her neck stood up and she scooped up her papers from the office with her purse and closed the car door with her hip. The sound echoed around her yard and for a moment the neighbor’s dog was silent.
The trees along her yard cast long shadows from the streetlight. She turned trying to catch a bit of light to figure out which key was gold and which was silver. She tried three keys in the lock before one finally spun and she pushed in to the back door. She locked the door then tossed her papers on the counter.
The light from her living room lamp cast a swatch of brightness in to the otherwise dark kitchen. She hadn’t expected to be gone so long and only one light was on. She put her shoes by the door and quietly padded in to the next room flipping on the kitchen’s overhead light as she went. She stepped in to the great room. To her right the lamp was casting a dim glow around the room. She turned to her left and turned on the light in the dining room. The answering machine blinked three times.
She pushed the play button. The first two messages were nothing but silence. Then the third message “Hi Rachel, Shannon. If you come home tonight call me. If not, I know what you did tonight.” Her voice sang. Rachel flipped her phone open and dialed Shannon.
“So you did come home. That was quick.” Shannon said. “I only talked to you, what, an hour ago?”
“Yes, about that.” Rachel continued walking through the house as she spoke opening closets and checking locks on windows and doors “The strangest thing happened when I was there.” She hesitated for a moment. “Things were going great. He was saying all the right things and we were kissing.” The tingle of fear poked harder as she thought back.
“And?...”
“Well, I thought of Curtis and went cold.”
“How in the world did that dweeb pop in your head when you were kissing a hottie like Drew?”
“I don’t know. Adam, Curtis and I were having a good time at mom’s and it reminded me of back before, well, back before everything happened in college.”
“And you started remembering old thoughts and tied them to Curtis?”
“No, I think Curtis popped in my head…well, I don’t know why he was there but when he did come in my head the moment was gone.”
“And…” Shannon sounded disappointed. How was Rachel supposed to control every thought that entered her brain?
“I told him I wanted to stop. That was when he changed.”
“Well duh. You can’t lead a guy on like that.”
“I wasn’t.” Rachel yelled in the phone. Then calmer she continued. “I wasn’t in the mood any more but when he cornered me and acted like…Well, it gave me chills. I had to get out of there so I left and came straight home.”
“Are you okay now?”
“Yes, I was almost in tears on the way home but I’ve calmed down.” Rachel rubbed her arms hard against the cold inside her.
“Was it a panic attack?” Shannon sounded really concerned. It was about time. Rachel had begun to wonder who Shannon was rooting for.
“Have you ever felt like…I don’t know…a bad feeling about something and you don’t know why?” Rachel’s shuffled back and forth on the wood that separated the living room rug from the dining room rug. Her slippers drug on the hardwood and made the only other sound in the house.
“Yes, you start to remember every horror film you’ve ever seen.”
“I didn’t remember any horror films.”
“You know what I mean.”
Rachel picked up a white sweater she had hanging on a chair and wrapped it around her shoulders. “I don’t know what it was. I’m really scared though.”
“Still?”
“Yes. I can’t put…I feel like I can’t breathe”
Someone knocked and Rachel squealed in surprise.
“What is it?” Shannon asked, fear evident in her voice too.
Rachel took a few moments to catch her breath. “Someone knocked on the door and about made me jump out of my skin. It must be mom.”
She walked over to the front door and opened it. “No” Rachel said, barely able to get her voice above a whisper. “Please no.” She started crying.
“Rachel what is wrong?” Shannon’s voice was shrill in Rachel’s ear. “Rachel, answer me.”
She didn’t answer, couldn’t answer.
“Rachel? Rachel!”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 17

2009-02-27T07:13:00.000-05:00

Seventeen
“What am I doing here?” Rachel said to reflection in the bathroom mirror. It had seemed harmless enough when she asked him dinner. She thought he was a nice to spend time and they had fun together. She’d never told either man about the other. Really there was nothing to tell.
Her and Curtis had only been on a few dates. That wasn’t really dating. Dating implied some kind of steady relationship. Theirs was more of a strong friendship.
Besides any feelings she may have for him could not compensate for their radically different worldviews. She smoothed down her blouse and went back to the table.
Drew walked around and pulled out her chair. He’d been extra attentive this evening and she was glad that she’d given him a second chance.
“The server was just out with the dessert tray. I told her you’d be back in a minute.”
“Thank you.” She placed her napkin across her lap. “Are you getting something?”
“The pie a la mode looked really good.”
“How in the world can you eat ice cream now?”
“You cold? You could use my jacket.”
“I’m fine. I have my sweater but it’s so cold outside I couldn’t even think of having ice cream.”
“Would you like to see the desserts?”
Drew looked at Rachel as he ordered. “I’ll have the pie a la mode. And could I have coffee?”
“Sure. And you ma’am?”
“What do you have chocolate?”
“We have brownie a la mode, dark chocolate lava cake with Raspberry sauce -.”
“I’ll have that.” She jumped in.
“I’ll be out in a moment with your desserts.”
They sat in silence Rachel sipping on her coffee and Drew his Pepsi. The restaurant was fairly dark with three small chandeliers casting a soft glow over the tables directly below. The rest relied almost entirely on the oil lamp on the side of the table.
They served the desserts. Both were much larger than Rachel had expected them to be.
Drew cut down in to his as if he hadn’t eaten an entire meal with appetizer. Which he had. “I’m glad you agreed to see me again.” He squeezed in between bites of pie dripping with white ice cream.
She nodded, not quite sure what to say. You’re welcome sounded ridiculous but that was the only answer that popped in her head. She picked off small nibbles with the corner of her fork. The chocolate melted in her mouth but her stomach pushed back when she tried to swallow.
“What’s wrong?” Drew asked after he’d wolfed down another bite.
“I guess my eyes were bigger than my stomach.”
“We’ll get it to go. You can come back to my place.”
When he said it her stomach squeezed in to a knot. Curtis’ face flashed in her mind. “Oh, I don’t know. I…”
“I rented a comedy. I was hoping you’d come see it with me.”
A comedy did sound nice. It was certainly better than going home and waiting to be tired enough to fall asleep. “That sounds fun.” She smiled. “I’ll follow you over.”
“Great. I don’t live far from here.”
Rachel had her dessert put in a to-go box and went out to her car. After she pulled out behind Drew she called Shannon.
“Hey, how was your date?” Shannon’s voice was up beat.
“It’s not over yet. I’m following him back to his place.”
“Nice, you will give me every detail tomorrow.” Shannon’s hunger to date Drew through Rachel bordered on nuts.
“Don’t know if there will be anything to tell.”
“Why?”
Rachel would have preferred a little less disappointment. “I don’t know how I feel for Drew. He just….it isn’t there.”
“Don’t you feel anything with him?”
“Sure, there is a bit of physical attraction like any woman has for a handsome man but all I do is compare him to Curtis.”
“Well, then go with it. Don’t tie up a great guy like that if you aren’t serious. But if I were you I’d stay tonight just to be sure.”
“That is so shallow. I will talk to you tomorrow.”
Rachel followed his car out to the edge of town and in to a new subdivision. She could make out homes under construction near the entrance and there were For Sale signs on the empty lots. Drew’s name was on most of the signs she passed as they wove their way to the back of the subdivision.
Drew turned on a gravel drive that led to a large cluster of trees. The moonlight splashed down on the roof of a two-story A frame home that was nearly in the trees. He turned in to the smaller driveway that went to the back of the house and parked the car. A floodlight clicked on illuminating the yard. There were flowerbeds along the house and hedges across the front, at least as far as she could see.
“You admiring my landscaping?” He walked back to her and put his arm around her.
“You certainly have a green thumb.”
“I put in perennials all along the sidewalks then bushes across the front. In the spring I put in a few annuals when I mulch the beds. It doesn’t take much time to do and makes the place look neater.”
“Oh I agree, if I didn’t have such a knack for killing plants I’d have some in my house.”
“I have a gazebo with a swing in the back. I spend a lot of time out there in the summer watching birds and squirrels in all of those trees.”
“This isn’t at all what I expected a single man’s house to be like.”
“I’m an outdoorsman. I don’t like being stuck in a house but I also don’t like looking at a bunch of grass. My grandparents taught me about plants and gardening brings back a lot of happy memories.”
“I thought you weren’t close to your family.”
He started to walk her around the back of his car. “The door is this way.” He took her down a sidewalk that went past a picture window and to the door on the side. “My grandparents are gone.” His voice was low, near a whisper. Rachel stilled her breathing to hear him. “They were good people. Others in my family weren’t. I don’t talk about, or to, them.”
He stepped in the back door and put his shoes on a black mat. “You can put your shoes here.” He pointed. She took hers off and set them on the same mat. He walked through the archway to the next room and turned on the light. His kitchen was neat, not a single dish or spoon was anywhere in sight. Even the towels hanging by the sink on a hook were neatly centered.
The colors were quite bold. She followed him through the house in to the living room. The walls were golden yellow with army green trim.
“Your couch looks like one I saw recently in a decorating magazine.”
“Oh yeah, which one?”
“I’m not sure. I get three or four different ones but I remember the light green couch because I was surprised a green couch would look so nice.” She walked around the corner. “Oh and look at this chair. This pattern really pulls out the green.”
The carpeting was plush and it felt inviting under her stocking feet.
“You’re house is absolutely beautiful.” She said when he walked in to the living room.
“Thank you. I like to have an oasis when I leave work.”
“Did you design all of this yourself?”
He handed her a drink. “No, one of the designers that worked at a parade of homes did some work on one of the models. Her name is Brenda Swartz. I was impressed so I asked her to design my place too.”
“She does great work.” Rachel walked in to the dining room and admired the shelves full of books and trinkets.
“Thank you.” His voice was deep, serious. It made Rachel catch her breath. “I’m really glad you like it.” He came up behind her, put the glass that was in her hand on the table and gently kissed the back of her neck. Rather than surrendering to his touch she thought of how secluded this house was. Guilt mixed with fear and she swallowed hard.
“I value things of beauty. When I find them I want to hold on to them.” He kissed her on the ear then down the back of her neck.
Rachel turned slowly to face him and he kissed her deeply. Fear melted away and she was sucked in to the moment. Her heart was no longer in control.
“You’re all I think about from the moment I wake up until I go to bed at night.” He spoke the words straight from a romance novel. “I’ve tried not to rush things but I need you.”
As if he anticipated her every desire he pulled her in close and kissed her gently. Every primal impulse raged through her body and all thoughts of Curtis vanished. She was here, in this moment. And in this moment every cell of her body screamed to give in to Drew.
He lifted her feet off the ground and carried her the few steps to the staircase. Her breathing quickened. It had been so long since she had a man find her desirable and clearly Drew found her desirable. She didn’t want this to be only physical.
“Are you looking for commitment or a physical relationship?”
He kissed her cheek then whispered in her ear. “I don’t care. I only want to have you. Whatever level of commitment you want.”
Oh she melted. This was much too soon to go this far. She was no virgin but she wasn’t easy either. What if this was all he wanted all along?
And what if Curtis finds out.
The thought crashed in her head. She stepped back from Drew, and sucked in a deep breath, fighting for control. What was she doing? He looked like a clown with her lipstick smeared all around his mouth. Her fingers running through his hair had made little spikes all over his head. His chest heaved, and he gulped in a deep breath as if he’d been running hard.
How did she let things get this far, this fast?
She slowed her breathing down even more. Her body calmed down a bit.
“What’s wrong?” Drew asked, as he ran a hand over his hair, smoothing it back. He reached out and took her wrist.
“I shouldn’t be here.” She looked away.
“You’re right, let’s go upstairs.”
“No I mean this…us…now. We are moving too fast.”
“Too fast? What, do you think I’m looking for a one night stand? I’d hardly say this relationship has moved fast.” He took a step toward her. Icy fingers of fear needled at her.
“Drew…I-.”
“What are you a tease?” He began to make large gestures with his arms as he spoke. “Did you think you’d come over and kiss for a while on the couch and I’d be fine with that?”
“Actually, I thought we were coming for a movie.”
“Oh come on Rachel.” He took another step to her, she took one more back. “You know that after a few dates when a person invites you over for a movie there is more implied.”
She bumped in to a wall. He continued to walk to her. The wild look she’d seen the first night was back and he was now inches away. He took her face in his hands and pressed his lips hard on her mouth.
Then he was calm.
“You are the most wonderful woman I’ve met.” He kissed her forehead and looked in her eyes. “If you want to watch the movie we can watch the movie.” He took her hand and walked back to the living room and picked up a DVD.
She followed him in the room. If she stayed was she safer than if she tried to leave? She couldn’t run fast in pantyhose and he could quickly out muscle her.
But if she stayed he could change his mind at any moment and force himself on her if he wanted.
She began to speak but the words caught in her throat.
“Did you say something?”
The charmer was back. She would try now. “Maybe we can see a movie some other time. I think it would be better if I went home now.”
“Are you serious?” He tossed the movie down on the coffee table and took a step toward her. “You really want to leave.” He stomped out to the kitchen, ripped the door open, and spun around. “Fine, leave.” His eyes were small slivers of blue behind red eyelids.
She needed to leave. Why had she even come here in the first place?
“I’m sorry. I had a nice time but I need to get home.”
“Oh, so you had a nice time. I wish I could say the same.”
“I, uh.”
He marched right over her words. “I was hoping to spend a nice evening here with you but tonight you were interested in playing the part of the tease.” His voice was harsh.
He was going to grab her. She braced herself.
“I’m sorry. I was too embarrassed to tell you. This week is my…well…”
He looked at her for a moment then started laughing. “Oh, it’s…” He laughed some more. “I’m sorry. I…” He walked to the door and pulled it open for her.
“Thank you again.” Her voice trembled and she bent down to put buckle her shoes.
“You’re still welcome to stay and watch the movie with me if you’d like.” His voice was calm again.
She looked toward the living room for a moment, considering his offer. He wouldn’t force himself on her tonight and she wouldn’t have to risk his anger.
No.
Something inside of her though wouldn’t let her stay. She couldn’t remember ever having a gut feeling so strong. She needed to get away from the house and Drew as fast as she could.
“Thank you but no.” She touched his cheek and quickly scooted out the door before he could reply. She walked around the house and paused for a moment outside the large window she’d passed on the way in. As she looked through it Drew came in to view. He clicked on the television with his remote then turned toward her.
Their eyes locked and she froze. For a few moments she was powerless to move. Drew turned and walked toward the direction she’d exited. That gave her the boost she needed to get her legs moving again. She walked quickly, nearly a run. Her healed books clanking steadily on the sidewalk.
Fear wrapped around her throat and her heartbeat thudded in her ears. She jumped in the car and started the engine. The headlights threw their glow on Drew standing where the sidewalk met the driveway less than twenty feet away. His eyes were dark and while she was sure he couldn’t see her past the high beams her blood ran cold.
She backed in the turn around and cranked the wheel without making eye contact again. The floodlight in the driveway showed his silhouette as she pulled down his driveway and out of the subdivision. She watched for head lights in her rearview.
Her heart didn’t slow down until she was out of Drew’s neighborhood and back on the main roads.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 16

2009-02-24T07:12:00.000-05:00

Sixteen
Rachel turned the air conditioning vents so they blew straight in her face. The sun beamed in the driver’s side of her car. Sweat ran down her back. Slowly her car crept along through the miles of construction zone that appeared a few weeks after she moved to her new house. She sipped on her large coffee. The morning commute was now forty-five minutes because of the orange barrels. She had yet to find that perfect balance between enough coffee to keep her awake the whole trip without sending her running to the first gas station restroom after the construction zone.
She hadn’t slept well the previous night so this morning she was failing at both. Her cell phone rang.
“Hi Shannon.” She said when she flipped it open.
“Quite the night owl. You on your way in yet?”
“How did you know I was up late?” She reached over to turn down the fan so she could hear better.
“I saw you sent me an email at two a.m. Sorry your date didn’t go so well.”
“I wouldn’t say it was a total waste. Especially for not knowing going in that it was actually a date.”
“I told you to stick with Drew.”
“I’m starting to think I should stick with being single. You know he called me a bubble.”
“Why did he call you a bubble?”
“It was some metaphor for how beautiful I am on the outside but lost on the inside. Some church analogy I guess.”
“Is that the only reason he asked you to dinner?”
“Nope. I guess he was inviting me on a date.”
“Told ya.”
Rachel craned her neck to try to see over the pickup truck in front of her but her car was too low. “What do you say to church people who want to impose their beliefs on you?” It was one of three questions that had pounded in her head until sweet sleep came sometime after three in the morning.
“Nothing. I don’t usually talk to them at all.”
“You believe in God though don’t you?”
“Sure but there is more than one path to God. I’m kind of cafeteria style. I think there is beauty in all faiths so I pull from each. That’s make me more spiritual than religious I’d say.” S
She turned the fan up a little more. The sun was baking her arm. “I’d say I believe the same thing. I see so much beauty in nature and the world around me. I don’t need to go to church to feel God.”
“It takes a strong person to go through what you did with Nate and still be willing to see beauty in God.”
She didn’t blame God. Well, God as she defined him. Not entirely. If the God of the Bible was real then it wouldn’t have happened. As much as she prayed it never would have happened. “You know it was good for me.”
“How in the world could it have been good?” Shannon sounded disgusted.
“I didn’t spend my whole life like some people following vapors. I saw without a doubt that I was in this world alone and -.”
“A-hem.”
“Yes and with you.” Rachel added. “But I was headed down this same blind path as my family and Curtis are.”
“You should be the one saving them.”
Rachel edged on to the shoulder and accelerated around the semi that had blocked her exit. “You know, I would, but I respect their beliefs and if it helps them deal with the world to think there’s some big guy upstairs then I’m not going to take it away.”
“You’re a better person than me. I’d throw it in their face the next time they tried to judge me. When do you think you’ll be here?”
“Should be by nine from the looks of traffic. I got around this semi so I’m finally starting to make some headway.” She accelerated around a minivan then hit the cruise control. “I’d say if not nine then nine-thirty.”
“This might cheer you up on your long commute.” Shannon’s voice was at once happy and ornery.
“What’s that?”
“I have a message here that Drew called and would like for you to call him on his cell.”
“And you waited to tell me this?”
“Yep.”
She hung up with Shannon and stuffed her phone down in her purse. She had no idea what to do. She could go out with Drew again. Things had been pretty intense in the parking lot and it was definitely too soon to spend the night.
She felt around in her purse for her lipstick then used the rearview mirror to be sure she got it on straight. If she was honest with herself she wanted to be with a handsome man who acted a bit more like Curtis. Minus the church stuff.
Actually that wasn’t quite fair. Curtis had never acted like some crazed fanatic around her. That could change if they started dating though. Then there’d be the expectation that the little lady defer to her man. He’d never said any of that really. He might be open minded and willing to allow her to have beliefs that were different. There were people of different faiths that got married-.
See, right there was why she hadn’t gotten in to a relationship like this. Things get sticky, people get hurt and there’s no reason for it. It didn’t really matter who was right or wrong because it had nothing to do with life today, here, in this car.
She picked up her phone and scrolled through the phone numbers and keeping one eye on the traffic around her. A good God would not send a good person to hell. Her hand shook as she scrolled down through the Cs.
She couldn’t be with a man who made her uncomfortable.
Through the Ds.
She needed a man who could make her feel like a woman. Someone who could take away the pain. Who could erase all memory of what Nate had done. Some one who could fill her bubble.
Of the two men only one had offered that possibility.
She pushed send on her phone. He picked up on the second ring.
“Could we meet for dinner? I have something I need to talk to you about.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title, then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 15

2009-02-20T07:11:00.000-05:00

Fifteen
“Are you sure you want to go out with Curtis?”
“I told you, Curtis is a friend. It’s nothing physical. I enjoy talking to him.” Rachel gathered a small stack of papers and put them in her folder to go home then followed Shannon out the door.
Shannon turned her key to lock the door to the suite their office was in. “And if you weren’t friends with Curtis you could have a real relationship with Drew.”
“I haven’t ruled Drew out completely. You’ve made it very clear you don’t approve of me hanging out with Curtis.”
“Drew may rule it out if he finds out you’ve been having friendly dinners with the mortgage broker.” They walked to their cars parked beside each other.
“I would tell him the same thing I told you.” Rachel beeped the lock open on her Toyota. “Curtis doesn’t think of me like that anyway. We enjoy talking.”
“If you’re ditching Drew I want him.” Shannon smiled and tossed her purse across her seat to the passenger seat.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Rachel climbed in her car and turned in the direction of the highway.
She’d been somewhat surprised when Curtis called to ask her out to dinner. They’d had a pleasant enough time eating take out on moving day but they hadn’t met socially without a family member around other than that night. Maybe she should have called Adam to see if he wanted to come along. More than likely he needed some professional advice on his business venture.
She turned in to the parking lot of the Stable and cruised up and down the full aisles looking for a spot to park. She parked finally along the back row. She pulled her thin white sweater around her arms in an attempt to block some of the evening air. Curtis was standing in front of the wooden front door with his hands in his pockets.
“Rachel you’re going to freeze in that.” He when she was a few feet away.
“I hope not.”
“Our table is ready and waiting for us.” He pulled open the front door and gently touched the small of her back as she walked ahead in of him. She walked to the podium and glanced at him nervously. He motioned to a table without saying a word then pulled her chair out for her.
Was this a date?
She placed her cloth napkin in her lap and looked around. She had been to the Stable a few times over the years. The food was excellent for the price but she mostly came to enjoy all the horse things on the wall.
“You know” She started. “This place was a nineteenth century horse stable that they converted in to a restaurant.”
“I’d heard that from someone before.”
Then they were both quiet again.
Curtis cleared his throat and looked over the menu. Neither one was saying anything.
This was a date.
How could she have agreed to a date with Curtis? Well, in reality she hadn’t. He’d called and asked if she’d like to get together for dinner and she agreed. There was really no reason to think that they would be on a date.
Was there a way she could gracefully excuse herself without hurting his feelings? She closed her menu and looked up.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” she asked covering her nervous smile with her hand.
“I was enjoying the way the light moves around your face. You look very mysterious.” He sat back in his seat and smiled.
“Yes, I’m an enigma.” She said and she reached in to the breadbasket. She didn’t like the way his looks made her feel. He wasn’t creepy, no. These were feelings she hadn’t experienced for a long time. Those were the kinds of looks and feelings that left her alone in her bedroom crying. And why would she feel them for Curtis and not Drew?
“You really are a bit of an enigma. You’re nothing like most women I know.”
“How so?” She leaned forward and put her elbows on the table. What are you doing Rachel? She was absolutely asking for trouble.
“I can’t put my finger on it quite yet. You’re an interesting combination of self-assured and searching. That’s the best way I can describe it.” He paused and put his finger to his lips. Then as if solving a puzzle he said “You’re a bubble.”
She laughed. “I’m a bubble?”
“Yes. That’s exactly what it is.”
“Why in the world do you say I’m a bubble? Am I round and air headed?” Some of the camaraderie was returning.
He shook his head and leaned on the table. “Rachel, think about a bubble.” He motioned as if there were a bubble floating by their table. “What is a bubble like?”
“Light? Full of air? Made of soap?” She had no idea what he was looking for.
He rubbed his chin then began to speak. “A bubble is beautiful and delicate. You love to watch a bubble. It floats by you and changes colors in the light. It is lifted up on the slightest of breezes-.” He smiled and looked beyond her as if watching one float by them as they spoke.
“Thank you…I guess.” What should she say when a guy called her a bubble?
“But there’s another part to a bubble and that’s the part that hurts me to see.”
“What is that?”
“Inside a bubble is hollow, empty and the slightest outside force will cause it to pop, shatter. Then there is nothing left.”
Rachel’s breath caught in her throat along with her voice. Tears burned her eyes and threatened to spill all over the table. Curtis didn’t speak with a hint of animosity but tenderness, like her daddy’s voice. He reached across the table for her hand.
“Rachel, I’m not saying this to be…well,…I’m saying it because I care about you and I want you to know that if you need someone. I’m here.”
“Are you trying to say I’m going to pop?” One tear managed to escape. Curtis saw it. He looked down at the spot on the table where it landed. He squeezed her hand just a bit.
“Only you know if you’re about to pop.” He smiled just a bit. “I see a delicate, beautiful woman who has everything going for her but you don’t feel complete. You wonder if there isn’t more than this.”
Now she understood. She straightened a bit. “Is this your lead-in to try and get me saved?” She cursed herself. Stupid Rachel always following her heart around like a doggy on a leash. She thought about getting up and storming out.
“No. Not at all. I promise-.”
“You know nothing about me.” There was that old spunk she’d had. “How can you presume to know all the-.”
“Here are your salads.” The server reached in to the middle of their conversation and placed white ceramic plates full of lettuce down on the table. “Can I get you anything else while I’m here?” She looked between the two of them. How was it possible for this woman to be so dense as to not see they were in the middle of something?
“No, thank you.” Curtis said and she walked away. “Rachel-.”
“What?” She picked up her fork and began stabbing at uncooperative lettuce leaves.
“I promise I only invited you because I had so much helping you move and eating take out in your dining room.”
Images of the two of them than night softened her armor a bit but she was still ready. “Okay but I want you to know I like my life. I really do.”
“I’m sure you do.” He still hadn’t picked up his fork.
“I, unlike you, don’t seem to feel the need to find a deeper meaning in everything. I’m happy to live for the moment, enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow.”
“What are you feeling at this moment?” His voice was gentle.
Scared and vulnerable were the first words to come to mind but she wouldn’t say those. “Hungry comes to mind.”
Curtis relaxed and picked up his fork. “Well we came here to eat so let’s do that.”
She picked at the lettuce leaves looking for the cucumbers and tomatoes. That bubble thing was-. Well, everyone was a bubble. We all clean up the outside to look great but inside we’re different people with secrets that hurt people.
“So Curtis. Are you a bubble too?”
He put down his fork and wiped his mouth with the cloth napkin. “Do you believe in God Rachel?”
“Yes.”
“Do you believe in right and wrong?”
“Of course.” She picked up a sugar packet and flipped it with her fingers then remembered she was drinking Coffee and not tea. She put it back with the other white, blue, pink and yellow packets.
“How do you know what is right and wrong?”
“What does that have to do with being a bubble?”
“Answer my question.” He kept his voice calm. It was inquisitive, not the least bit confrontational.
“You just know, in your gut.”
“Tell me some things that are right and wrong.”
“Helping poor people is good and killing is bad.”
“Is that always true?”
“Yes.” Then she stopped. “Wait, why am I on the hot seat? What about you?”
“You already know I believe the Bible is true and everything else is false.”
“Yes and what does that have to do with being a bubble?”
“I was a bubble when I used to go with the flow. I bobbed up and down with every new trend but inside I was empty.”
“Then you found Jesus and it was all fine.” She’d heard this tired worn out story a million times. Life falling apart with no hope for anything, homeless and hungry then a street preacher gave them a Bible and life is perfect.
“Nope. My life got so much worse.”
“Really.” She stifled a laugh but a bit of it trickled out.
“It got better for a few months but after that there were a couple years of hell on earth.”
“Then why do you still go and try to get other people to go to church.”
For a moment he seemed to be thinking, formulating an answer. “Because this time…I knew there was someone rooting for me and even if things got worse they’d turn out in the end.”
“Have they gotten better yet?”
“A little but they still aren’t quite to where I was before I let Jesus get a hold of my life.”
She no longer tried to hide her shock. “Then why do you still do it? Go to church I mean.”
“I’m not talking about church. A church is just a bunch of people. I’m talking about the church, the body of Christ. I have peace. I sleep better at night. I don’t worry. I may be thirty-something, single with some financial woes but now I have hope that things will get better.”
“I guess it’s not enough for me to hope something will be better when I die. I want it to work here or I ain’t buying. I don’t believe in a God who would send me to hell if I slept in on Sunday mornings.”
“What if you’re wrong?”
What did some financially struggling, plain looking man have to tell her about her life. He had no idea what she believed or why and here he was judging her. “What if you’re wrong? It would shatter your world.” A voice inside told her to stop, not to say the words bubbling inside her but it would feel so good to let them out. “The little perfect land you’ve created for yourself where you are the right ones with your big floppy Bibles and old men in flowing robes. If you would open yourself for just a moment to the idea that there could be another way to look at things it would make your head spin.” She was starting to spit as she spoke.
“And if you’re wrong, and I’m right, then you’re headed straight for hell.” His voice was somber.
“I’ve had enough of this conversation. I wanted to have a nice evening but…”
“Wait…” He reached forward for her. “I’m sorry. I don’t often get to have stimulating conversations with beautiful women. I’m sorry I got carried away. Please stay. Let’s have a nice evening.”
She looked down at his hand, still on top of hers. “Okay. Why don’t you tell me about you?”
“Umm, I think that’s what got us in trouble in the first place. Let’s talk about Adam.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 14

2009-02-17T07:09:00.000-05:00

Fourteen
Logan flipped through the digital photos in his camera. Rachel at various angles and in various places. His favorites were the ones where her shoulder length hair blew in small loose strands around her chin. There were only two but they were the cream of the crop.
He printed an 8 x 10 and put it in a silver vase. He traced the curves of her face on the print with his finger. Rachel was his perfect flower. A thing of beauty that could withstand the harsh winters and grow in to a delicate bloom at the first hint of spring sun.
He laid a stack of 5x7 and 8x10s on the table by his photo album and crossed to a wooden bookshelf with three shelves. Across the bottom shelf were eleven white photo albums. Each of them were identical. He’d bought them for the other women but they’d betrayed him. After they were punished he-.
He looked at the large black Xs of electrical tape on the spines of those photo albums. Bad memories in those white books. Didn’t want to think about that any more.
At the end of the shelf was a wooden jewelry box. He sat on the floor and put the box on his lap. This was where he kept his special treasures. Trinkets from all the women he had loved before. Jenny had come the closest to fulfilling him. Memories stung him. Everyone betrayed him. None had been loyal. Not Aunt Tulla, Not Jenny not-.
He lifted Jen’s class ring and the lock of red-brown hair that he’d put in the box days before the ring. He rubbed them against his cheek. Despite their betrayal each had touched him in a special way. He picked a piece of lint out of the bottom of the box then placed the ring and lock of hair back. He lifted out the small diamond ring and held it up. Large hands squeezed his heart. Rachel would love him.
He put the ring in a black ring box then placed them on top of the other trinkets before closing the lid and sliding the box back on the shelf. Rachel was going to be different. She didn’t throw herself at him like other women did. There was a challenge to her. She was a mature woman who knew how to get what she wanted. He would give it to her all right. He walked to a bouquet of roses sitting on his table and slid a single white rose from the cluster.
The white rose was a sign of purity to many. A rose was a delicate thing of beauty that should be reserved for women who were both beautiful and pure. He picked up a black ribbon from the second bookshelf and began to tie it around the rose. Ten ribbons each cut exactly six inches long were stacked on the shelf. He stopped for a moment.
“Twelve.” He whispered.
“Twelve apostles.”
He looked at the books. “Twelve women.”
Then back at the ribbons. “Twelve roses.”
Of course. He had known she was the one but now he understood why. There had to be others. He had to purify his perfect one through blood. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. Yes the Bible said that. Aunt Tulla had talked about the blood sacrifices in the Bible. Twelve was the perfect number. He sniffed the flower. His heart thudded in his chest.
“But wait.”
He stopped and held up a single finger as if telling an invisible guest to be still for just a moment. “These things take time. They must be developed slowly.” He thought for a moment. “One, only one a week.” His excitement rekindled. “Yes, one rose a week. Make her want it. Build her desire to know me better.” It all made so much sense. Why hadn’t he seen it before? All the lies and betrayal of all the other women were leading to this moment. He walked to the close up of Rachel sitting on top of his stack of pictures and brushed the rose petals up and down the photograph.
“I know you’re anxious. but soon.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 13

2009-02-13T07:08:00.000-05:00

Thirteen
Rachel stepped out of the shower and quickly toweled off. She was still miffed with Shannon’s attitude. Why was it everyone thought they had the right to tell Rachel how to live her life?
Curtis had left twenty minutes ago to pick up their Chinese take-out. She wasn’t sure how long it would take him to get there and back. Probably had another twenty minutes unless they were faster than the one she liked to stop at on the way home.
The sticky sweat was gone and she felt human again. Most of her clothes were still in boxes. She dug around in a couple marked “clothes” but found mostly shoes and some clothes she had no reason why she had moved to the new place.
The towel was not providing much protection against the cool fall air that nipped at the moisture on her skin.
“This is taking forever.” She walked to her bedroom door and locked it then flung her towel on to her bed and dug as quickly as she could through the clothes. She saw the edge of a pair of jeans and pulled those out then she dug around until she found enough clothes to make an outfit.
Fifteen minutes later she was dressed, her face painted and her hair dry enough to be presentable. Curtis still wasn’t there but a huge mess was. She gathered a few boxes from the hallway and started down to the living room. The boxes that remained were mostly odds and ends. She found places for those she could but some just moved to a new box she’d label “why did I move this?”
Curtis knocked on the back door and Rachel opened it. “Sorry it took a little extra time. I stopped at the grocery to get some paper plates and plastic ware.”
“Thank you.” She took the bag of food from Curtis and set it on the dining room table.
He pulled open the plates and set the table.
“Place looks really nice.” He lifted out a large white folded box. “I think this is your General Tso’s Chicken.”
“I love this stuff.” She set the box by her plate. “I’m going to have to do something with all these boxes. They’re going to drive me nuts.”
“You can collapse them and put them in your basement.”
“That will work for about a week. I hate clutter.”
“So do I.” He pulled out the last of the food and dumped out little yellow, orange and black packets of sauces. “People say I’m a neat freak but I like to know where things are. I have to mess with so much paper and chaos all day when I get home I want to have order.”
“Yep.”
They filled their plates with food and ate in near silence. Rachel’s body ached. She put down her fork and rubbed her shoulder trying to ease the knot on the right side of her neck.
“Stiff?” Curtis asked.
“Very.” She bit in to her spring roll. She crunched through the outside but then shredded cabbage and vegetables went all over her plate. She covered her mouth with her hand and tried to catch some of the food that was falling out.
“Do you want me to get you a napkin?”
Rachel shook her head no. Had this been a date she would have been crawling under the table or hiding in the bathroom. Curtis put her at ease.
“Does it feel like home yet?” He asked after she finished her spring roll.
She looked around the room at all the familiar furnishings that filled the walls of a strange home. “A little. It feels a little funny to be in such a big place after living in a two-bedroom apartment the last five years. I think I need more stuff.” She laughed.
“Don’t worry. Houses have a way of filling themselves.”
“I know. Every time I’ve ever moved I’ve told myself that finally I will able to keep the clutter down but then I find all kinds of things on sale and I fill the shelves with knickknacks and other things until it’s finally bulging at the seams.
“How far do your parents live from here?”
“About fifteen minutes or so.”
“I think it is great that you have such a close relationship with Your mom.”
“Yeah, it’s nice.” She didn’t want to say anything that could be misinterpreted and reported back to her mom. “Sometimes she can be a little pushy but I know she means well.”
“You mean like that dinner date she set up?”
“Exactly like that.” Rachel tried to gracefully eat a long noodle but then bit it off rather than slurp it in. Hopefully he hadn’t noticed her poor table manners.
“I’m glad she did it though. It’s been nice to get to know you through this home buying process.”
“You’re not at all what I expected.” She pushed food around with her fork as she spoke. “Usually when mom wants to introduce me to someone…They’re…uh…Not my type.” She said trying to be a bit diplomatic.
“So I’m your type?” He sounded more playful than interested.
“No I didn’t mean that.”
“Really?”
“Oh stop.” She laughed. “Yes, you’re funnier than I expected a mortgage broker to be.”
“What did you expect?”
“You know different professions tend to attract people with different quirks. I guess I figured you to be more uptight.”
“Fair enough. I do have some quirks. Loyalty is huge to me. I find it can be hard to trust people.” His face turned serious. “Before I found this church I didn’t have the best experience with people who called themselves Christians unfortunately.”
“I really don’t get in to organized religion. You have to be careful. I prefer to live in the moment; grab life by the horns and enjoy the ride.”
“For me I like to know who holds the future.”
Rachel shifted nervously in her chair. “Life is about more than a bunch of dos and don’ts. I like to enjoy life.”
“That’s a great perspective. Enjoy life. I agree. Life isn’t always exactly the way we’d like for it to be but we can accept it for what it is and enjoy it.”
She relaxed a bit in her chair. “Exactly. People spend so much time trying to figure everything out. On the one hand you’ve got people reading horoscopes and on the other hand you’ve got preachers on TV screaming about the end of the world.” She took a sip of water. “Live today. If a belief works for someone then I guess it’s good. Some people need something to believe in to make sense of the rat race.”
He put down his fork and pushed back his plate. “Is that how you see life? A rat race.”
“Sure, I’d say for the most part we live in a rat race.” She leaned back in her chair. “You know like my family. They find goodness in church. More power to them. I think that’s beautiful.”
“But not for you?” He leaned toward her a bit in his chair. He wasn’t judgmental which was a nice change for religious people. He asked questions and she was pretty sure he heard the answers too.
“No. I went to church when I lived at home but people at church are no different than anyone else. Most of them just think they’re better.”
“Do you feel that way about me?”
“No, you’re cool.” She moved her hand and the tension that seemed to be building wafted away. “You aren’t closed minded.”
“So you don’t have a problem with me since I believe Jesus is the only way to get to heaven?”
“Nope.” She didn’t mind him at all. He at least lived what he said he believed. She could respect a person with other beliefs as long as they respected hers too.
He looked around her dining room. “I don’t feel right leaving so many things still in boxes. Why don’t I help you get some of these things unpacked before I leave.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 12

2009-02-10T07:06:00.000-05:00

Twelve
Rachel eased her car on to the side street that led to her new house. The things her dad strapped to her cars roof rack clicked again. “We’re almost there. Don’t fall off now.” The area was much more Suburban than the nice apartment she was leaving behind but Woodhaven was a sweet little town where kids could ride their bikes at dusk on the sidewalk.
It was much quieter too. The trees and tall shrubs that lined the streets and yards help cut down on traffic noise considerably. She turned in to her new driveway and pulled to the back of the house. Shannon pulled her car in front of the detached garage and her dad parked in front of the house. She got out of the car. Everything on they’d put on the roof rack was still there by some miracle.
“You must be the new neighbor.”
Rachel turned to the direction of the chain link fence that ran the length of her back yard. A man with white hair, white mustache and squinting eyes stood with a small pair of hedge clippers in his hand.
“Yes.” She walked to the fence and stretched out her hand. “I’m Rachel.”
“Names Wade.” He dusted his palm on grubby trousers before shaking her hand. “Nice to see someone in this place again.”
“Thank you. I-.”
“Didn’t want to keep you none. Wanted to be a bit nosey is all. I’m sure we’ll have lots of time to get to know each other after you’re settled.” He turned and walked back to his house.
“Nice neighbors.” Shannon said behind Rachel.
“Be nice.” Rachel turned around. Did you see Drew?”
“Drew, Curtis and your dad are all three on the front porch exchanging guy talk.”
She walked along the hedges that separated her driveway from her neighbor. The yard was narrow along that side of the house but the back yard was deep enough that Rachel expected summer entertaining wouldn’t be too much of a problem. She rounded the corner of the house and walked across the grass. The men saw her and abruptly finished their conversation.
“Rachel welcome home.” Drew’s footsteps echoed on the wooden porch. He reached out a small metal ring that held the rest of her keys.
“Thank you.” She looked at the three keys. “Which one goes to the front door?” She held out her palm.
“This is the key to the back door” he lifted a silver key with a round top. “And this little brown one goes to the front door. You also have this one that goes to the garage if you want to lock the overhead door but the former owners said the lock is a real pain.” He lifted the ring by the brown key and handed them to her.
“Great.” She took the keys from him and unlocked the door. The large wooden door groaned open in to a large living room. She stepped in to the living room her footsteps echoing.
“There’s a white shag rug and pad in my car. That needs to go in the living room before any of the furniture comes in.”
To her right an archway stretched nearly the entire length of the wall separating the dining room and living room. Through the dining room to the other side a staircase that led to the second floor was open on the left. From the front door the kitchen was straight ahead and then the basement steps. She could have fit her entire apartment in half of the first floor of this house.
“This is a really nice place Rachel.” She turned to see Curtis standing almost directly behind her.
“I was thinking the same thing.” She stepped further in to the house. Her footsteps echoed on the wooden floors. She needed to remember to buy a rug for the living room and dining room to cut down on the sound.
“Your dad and I are going to start hauling in furniture. Is that okay with you?”
“Yes, Adam will be here soon too.”
“Hopefully he’s not chatty.” Curtis let out a small laugh.
“Why’s that?”
“Hands.” Curtis wiggled his hand around as if to imitate sign language.
“Where do you want this box?” Rachel turned and saw Shannon standing on the other side of the screen door holding a small box. Drew was standing next to the truck while her dad piled boxes on top of the one Drew was already holding. Curtis opened the screen door for Shannon then continued out to the truck. Rachel looked at the top to check the label. “The kitchen is straight through there.” She set the slider on the door to hold it open.
Rachel walked out the door for a box and passed Curtis and Drew. “Thank you for helping guys. I’ll have to refer you to my friends.” Both laughed. She lifted a small box and walked in the house.
“This isn’t a bit awkward is it?” Shannon mumbled in to Rachel’s ear.
“Keep your mouth shut and everything should be fine.”
Shannon nodded and walked back out to the front. Rachel put the box along the wall of what was now her dining room.
“Your brother’s here.” Shannon yelled in the house before coming in and plopping down another box.
“It looks like you have quite a crew going here.” Her dad motioned to Drew and Curtis hauling in boxes. “I guess Adam and I can go down to the ice cream shop.”
“Or, you could help and maybe all of us can go.” She scanned the boxes in the back of the U-Haul. “These boxes here look like first floor stuff. The living room is to the left, dining room to the right and kitchen is straight through.” She turned and signed the same to Adam and went back to unload her car.
“Rachel,” Drew walked up to her as he slid his phone in its holder. “I’m going to have to run. I got a call from someone on another property.”
“Thank you so much for your help. You didn’t have to do it.”
“Not a problem at all.” Drew looked around then said quietly. “I’ll call this week to check in and make sure everything is all right.”
“I’ll look forward to it.” When she turned around her dad was smiling a crooked smile at her. “Quite the customer service at that realty agency.”
“Okay dad.” She grabbed another box. When her mom joined them two hours later the truck was emptied except for a few pieces of furniture and they were beginning to fill the kitchen cupboards with dishes and the canned goods she’d brought from the apartment.
Her mom scanned the room. “You’ve got this about wrapped up.”
“Not really. We still have to unpack everything.” Rachel set three square pillar candles on her dining room table.
“I can help unpack if that will help.” Her mom said and she started for the kitchen.
“Actually mom, can you unpack my clothes.” Rachel grabbed a box then hesitated. “I’m trying to organize my kitchen as I go but if you can put the things in the upstairs bathroom-.”
“Sure. Whatever you need done.”
Rachel took a box and led her mom up the steps. Her feet sunk down in the plush carpet. “Isn’t this carpet great mom?”
“Yes it is. Good pad.”
“After ten years of dorm carpet and apartment carpet this feels like a slice of heaven.”
“It is nice.”
They turned down the hall to the main bathroom. “Mom, put the taupe towels in here for now until I get out to buy others.”
“Are you sure you want those nasty older ones in your bathroom?” Her mom crinkles her nose and bent over to open a box.
“I certainly don’t want them out for everyone to see when they come over.” Rachel dug through the towels in her box. “Why don’t you stick the older towels in the back of the linen closet. It’s this door here.” She tapped on a small door in the hallway. “Put out a set of the taupe on the towel racks and put the rest in my bathroom. I’ll try to get out sooner and get the new ones bought.”
“That will be better.”
Beige walls met her in every room. Taupe was a fairly decent color to make the bathroom look a bit better until she could get some paint. Rachel lifted the corner of peeling border behind the bathroom door.
“What color should I paint this?”
Her mom never looked up from the box. “You don’t wanna go too dark. Room’s much too small for deep colors.”
“I know that. I was thinking taupe walls and amethyst towels and accents.”
“That’d be pretty. Nice contrast but soft and feminine.”
“That’s what I thought.”
“Rachel.” Someone bellowed from downstairs.
“Be right there.” She yelled back. “I should have four or five sets of those towels so put out one and put the rest in my bathroom. My rooms down there.” Her mom looked up to see the direction Rachel pointed then pulled out more towels.
“Better get on downstairs, now. I got this handled.”
Rachel walked down to her new bedroom and stepped in. The room felt like it could go on forever. There was not a piece of furniture in it yet and she could enjoy the size. The carpet was soft like the rest of the upstairs but it was brighter. A large southern window splashed sunlight across the carpet. Everything was fresh and clean, like a new outfit, and she was anxious to see her things make it comfortable.
“Rachel.” The voice downstairs called out again.
She glanced around the room again and shuffled down the steps. “Sorry, I was looking around to figure out where to put furniture.”
“Good because your dad and I were going to bring in the last of the furniture so he could take the truck back.” Curtis spoke as Rachel moved down the staircase.
“Okay.” She looked at her watch. “That should work out fine.”
“And I was hoping maybe you’d be up to some dinner.”
She crinkled her nose. “I’m not in any shape to go out.”
“I was going to bring it in.”
She looked at her watch again. By the time the truck was empty she’d be ready for something to eat. “Sure. I’d like that.”
“I’ll help your dad finish up then.”
“Where’s Adam?”
“Not sure. Last I saw he was helping Shannon with something.”
She walked through the dining room. The cardboard boxes that were empty sat in a stack on the far side of the living room but newspaper covered the floor. Adam was in the kitchen talking to Shannon in a nasal voice.
“Adam. I want eat with Curtis. It okay you go, take mom dad.” She signed after she had his attention.
Adam looked at Curtis then back at her. “You eat dinner sweetheart?”
“No. We talk.”
Adam nodded and gave her a thumbs up.
“Shannon, Adam is going to get mom and dad home. Curtis and I are going to eat some dinner here.”
Shannon looked at Adam then turned away from Adam. “Do you think that’s wise?”
“It’s nothing like that. He wants to hang out and eat. We’re friends.”
“Uh-huh.” Shannon nodded and pursed her lips.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 11

2009-02-06T08:05:00.000-05:00

Eleven
Rachel wrapped a plate in newspaper and set it down in the cardboard box on her counter. She reached for the next plate and the muscles in her neck groaned. Hopefully she could get out of the office early enough for a massage one day next week.
“How in the world did you get them to close on the house so fast?” Shannon asked as she taped a box of books shut in the next room.
“The house had been empty for four months and they were ready to be rid of it.”
“Drew didn’t have anything to do with it did he?” Shannon still kept his name in at least two or three conversations a day. Rachel hadn’t forgotten how perfect people thought he was for her, even after only a couple of dates. It wasn’t only Shannon. Her mom also made it a point to remind Rachel how wonderful he was. She put the last two plates down in the box and climbed off her step ladder.
“Shannon can you tape up my box too and I’ll label them.”
“Averting the question.”
“No, I’m not. He only helped me find the house. I don’t think he did anything to try to get me a better deal.” Rachel wrote “books” with a thick black marker that smelled similar to nail polish remover. “We need a new marker. This one is making me light headed.”
“That’s why I like it.” Shannon took the marker out of Rachel’s hand and sniffed it. “How did it go when you saw Drew again?”
“Fine. I’ve talked to him quite a bit.” Drew was his usual charming self but Rachel was a bit more reserved on the few occasions they’d been together, professionally, since the night at his house.
“I know but you put him off until after you got the house. Now you have the house. Do you think he will still be so easily put off?”
Shannon had plenty of reasons why Rachel had overreacted to his…aggression that night at his house. She was probably right. Rachel didn’t like to be led on either. On the other hand his reaction was only part of the reason she didn’t feel comfortable there. She felt, unsettled, there. But for the sake of peace she had learned to keep her opinion to herself when she was talking to Mom and Shannon. Those two matchmakers saw wedding bells in their eyes and she wasn’t in the mood right now to go through why it wasn’t going to happen.
“Who said I was going to put him off now? I never said I didn’t like him. I said I didn’t think it was smart to date someone who was helping me find a house.”
“Which makes no sense.”
“Whatever.”
Shannon picked up the box of books and moved it to the other side of the living room. There had to be at least three dozen boxes that needed to be moved in to the truck still sitting in this front room. Things were multiplying. There was no way she’d had all this stuff in her apartment. She picked up a long narrow box and started loading DVDs in to it.
“So are you going to go out with him again?”
“Who? Drew?”
“Of course.” Shannon brought CDs off of the music rack and stacked them next to her.
“I’m not sure. That Curtis guy is kind of cute too.”
“Right.”
“You don’t think so?”
“He’s not your type, remember.”
“Yes.”
Of course she remembered what happened before but Curtis was different. Curtis was kind, gentle and funny.
Just like last time…
But this was completely different. He did nice things for no reason. Never once had they mentioned relationship but he brought her a dozen roses at closing. They were different colors and when she asked him why he’d said “Because I wasn’t sure which color would go you’re your new house better.”
Shannon wouldn’t see that though. All she remembered was when she had been hurt, in college. Shannon picked up the pieces. She had no idea how she would have gotten through those first couple of years without Shannon supporting her…watching out for her.
“So are those the only roses you’ve gotten recently?”
“Huh?”
“Remember the little gift on your car.”
“Why in the world would you bring that up?”
“I noticed the flowers over there on your table.”
“Curtis gave those to me.”
“Ah.”
“Nothing like that. He was at Mom’s when I stopped in to see Adam and he-.”
“No need to explain to me.”
Rachel’s cell phone chimed across the room on the end table. Shannon picked it up and looked at the screen.
“It says unknown.”
“Give it here.” She took the phone and flipped it open. “Hello?”
“Rachel?”
“Yes?”
“Jeremy Wright. Our cars met about a month ago.”
“Oh Jeremy, hello.”
“I hadn’t heard from you on a bill. You aren’t going through your insurance are you?” His voice was at once concerned and scolding. It wasn’t a combination Rachel liked.
“No, I haven’t had the time to get it fixed. I’m in the process of moving.”
His voice softened. “I didn’t know you were moving. When will that be?”
“Right now.”
“Oh, your moving at this moment. I’m really sorry to interrupt. Give me your new address when you get settled and I’ll send your check as soon as you get a quote.”
“You can send it to my address on the business card.”
“I’d feel better knowing that you got it and it wasn’t intercepted at work.”
“It’s fine. I’m co-owner so I usually open all the mail. You can use that address.”
“Oh, well then good. I see the address right here. I’ll wait to hear back from you.”
“Okay, bye.” She flipped the phone shut.
“Guy who hit your car?”
“Yep.” Rachel put the phone back on the small wooden end table and resumed packing. “Drew will be there today with my keys so we’ll have to call him when we get the first load in the truck.”
“Why’s that?”
“The old owners forgot one set of keys so I didn’t get them all at closing. Drew offered to bring them by when we moved in.”
“I’ll bet he did.”

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 10

2009-02-03T07:57:00.000-05:00

Ten
Logan watched her get in her car and start down the road.
“Yes, Rachel, Yes.” He whispered. He knew she could sense his presence. He was drawing her to him. She wanted to move here, to Woodhaven, where she would be closer to him and their life together. Of course she was the one. “You’ll say yes to me won’t you Rachel?” She drove down the road to her other life but soon, soon she’d be here. In his territory. He was drawing her in closer to him. Patience was all that was required. After love was patience.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 9

2009-01-30T07:03:00.000-05:00

Nine
At eleven-thirty Saturday morning Rachel arrived at her parent’s house. Both of their cars were parked on the street and the garage was empty. Rachel pulled her car in to the garage and closed the door.
“Good. You’re here.” Her mom said for hello when Rachel came in the kitchen. “Adam has been waiting for you. He has the Chess set up in the other room.”
“He doesn’t waste any time does he?”
“Neither do you.” Her mom laughed. She picked up a potato and cut the peel off with a knife. “Oh, when you’re done playing Chess could you help me with a few things in the kitchen?”
“Yeah, call me when you need me.” Rachel walked out through the kitchen and in to the living room. Adam was on the couch reading a book. Over on a small wooden table near the bay window he had set up a chess board with mahogany and artificial ivory pieces. She tapped his shoulder and without looking back walked straight to the board.
“Ready to lose?” She signed.
“Never.”
The two of them sat in complete silence. Their focus was on the chess board and nothing else existed.
“Hey you two I hate to interrupt but everyone will be here soon.” Rachel looked up at her mom. After forty-five minutes of playing neither was in check.
“Finish later?” Rachel signed.
Adam waved her on and Rachel followed her mom in to the kitchen.
“Wash your hands then will you get the mashed potatoes finished up?”
“No problem.”
“The mixer and everything else is there.” Rachel poured the warm mixture of melted butter and evaporated milk into the blended potatoes. Her mom made the best mashed potatoes. The secret was to using baked potatoes or cook off some of the water of boiled potatoes before adding the rest of the ingredients.
“So who is the other couple?”
“I don’t know if you know them. They’re some newlyweds your dad and I have taken under our wing.”
“So you can show me how great married life is?” Rachel smiled to her mom.
“I think it’s great. Your daddy and I are best friends.”
“But most marriages aren’t like that.”
“I know.” Her mom looked toward the living room where Adam was sitting with daddy. “Most people don’t have a marriage like your daddy and me but my concern is the two of you. I want you and Adam to have happy marriages.” She paused again to put the corn casserole in the oven. “That’s why we want you to meet a nice man.”
“I will but it has to be in my time mom. Can’t you be happy for who I am now instead of thinking once I’ve-.” Rachel paused. She was getting agitated and that wasn’t the point of today. She came over to see Adam and Curtis. Today was for fun not tension. “Mom, I promise when I find the right guy I am ready to settle down. Okay.”
Her mom nodded her head and turned but not before Rachel saw her mouth “Thank you, Jesus.” Oh well, if her mom felt better thanking a dead philosopher Rachel wasn’t going to fuss.
They finished up in the kitchen and greeted the guests as they arrived. Curtis was the last there.
“Hello again.” Rachel said when she opened the door.
“Hello.”
She held the door open for him. “I don’t know if my mom warned you but this is a dating ambush.”
“A what?”
“Mom invited over another couple and you. Presumably to create a third couple for the afternoon.”
“I see.” He said and he nodded his head. “So this is an unofficial first date. And what about Adam?”
“Oh he’s here but his job is to report to mom later on what everyone was whispering since he reads lips so well.”
“Good to know.”
“Come on in and make yourself comfortable.” She motioned to the living room. They had arranged a couple of folding chairs between the couch and daddy’s lazy boy recliner. The seats were full when they walked in.
“Do you mind sitting on the bricks in front of the fireplace?”
“You mean the hearth?”
“Is that what you call it?” Rachel laughed and squeezed in the circle formed by the couch and chairs.
“I think so.”
“There’s no fire burning so we won’t get hot.”
“Good to know.”
They sat down and leaned up against the glass front with a sizable distance between the two of them.
“Have you had a chance to talk to Adam?”
“No.” Curtis replied. “Just a few passing words. I don’t know sign language and I think I still make old hearing people mistakes.”
“Talking slow and over exaggerating your words?”
“Yep.”
Rachel pounded her foot on the floor twice. Adam turned and looked. So did Daddy.
“Rachel, I could have tapped him for you.” Daddy said, in his ‘Father Knows Best voice.’
“I know but I didn’t want to interrupt.”
“And stomping wasn’t an interruption?”
She waved Adam over to the Ottoman next to her.
She turned to Curtis. “I’m going to sign and talk at the same time. ASL is not exactly like English so sometimes I slow down a bit or stop talking. I will look at you when I’ve finished interpreting what Adam says. Then you can start.”
“How is ASL different from English. I thought sign language was English.”
She signed what Curtis had said to Adam then told him to read the people’s lips until she was done explaining ASL to Curtis. He laughed and waited.
“What’s so funny?” Curtis asked looking from Rachel to Adam.
“I told him to eavesdrop on everyone else while I’m talking to you.”
“Oh. I saw a show once where a woman was in the FBI and her job was to read lips.”
“Sue Thomas, FBI. Great show. That’s a real woman you know.” Rachel tucked a bit of hair behind her ear.
“Yes. She’s a Christian.” Curtis again looked between Rachel and Adam as he spoke. He had clearly done some research on the deaf community for his business. She hated when people pretended Adam wasn’t a part of a conversation.
“Yes.” Adam said in his nasal voice. “I went to hear her speak at a church once. She’s very funny.”
“I was amazed in her trust in God.” Curtis turned away from Rachel and focused on Adam. “I haven’t actually met her but I saw her talking in a church on tape once. You’re right. She is really funny.”
Adam started to laugh. “Yvonne and I went together when I saw Sue Thomas.” Adam bent over and held up a finger. He laughed harder and tears started to run down his eyes. “Rachel, interpret.” He signed.
“He wants me to interpret.”
Curtis turned back to Rachel.
Adam began. “Tell him when I see S.T. there long line see her. I want hurry and I ask Yvonne interpret for me so I not slow read lips.”
She told Curtis what Adam had said. Curtis started laughing.
“That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”
“What’s so funny over there?” Daddy called over.
Rachel told the rest of the group and there was a mild chuckle but nothing link the belly laugh going on with Adam and Curtis.
“Okay boys.” Rachel both said and signed at the same time. “Did you want to talk or not?”
“Yes.” Curtis said. “But you were telling me about ASL.”
“Real quick there are a few different kinds of sign language. There is SEE which is Signed Exact English. There is ASL, American Sign Language and then there is Pidgin sign. SEE is obvious. It’s English. ASL is more like French in its structure and it also leaves out words like to, at, the.”
“Didn’t know that.”
“So how do you keep the two straight when you are talking to him and hearing people.”
“It’s funny. When I watch his signs I don’t really pay attention to what I’m saying. I say what I see. Like you can read a book and not remember the words even though you said them out loud.”
“I never thought of it like that.”
“Y’all can come on out en eat.” Her mom called.
“Adam, eat.” Rachel signed.
They walked to the table, where her mom made certain Rachel and Curtis sat next to each other. They had the blessing then started eating. The meal was pleasant with everyone chatting back and forth at the table. After she helped mom clear the table Rachel went back out to the hearth where Curtis was already sitting with Adam.
“We were talking some business. Could you ask him a few questions for me?”
“Sure.” Rachel scooted closer to Curtis so they were both across from Adam.
“Ask him if he’d come by my place this week to look over my ideas for the new business.”
She interpreted. “Adam says that would be fine and that we make a really cute couple.”
“What?” Curtis said.
What had she done? Her cheeks started to burn. “Um, I’m sorry.” She wanted to slink up the steps. She felt like she had walked in front of the whole school with her skirt tucked in her pantyhose.
“It’s fine. He was paying you a compliment.” Curtis said. “Can you finish for me?”
Rachel nodded and interpreted the rest of the conversation. Adam left to talk to the other guests leaving Rachel and Curtis alone on the hearth. She now felt awkward sitting next to him on the bricks but sitting on the ottoman and facing him would be equally as uncomfortable.
“Thank you for your help on the pre-approval.” She finally said.
“You’re welcome. How is house hunting?”
“Well the offer I made on the first house was turned down flat but Drew is looking for other places.”
“Who is Drew?”
“The realtor.”
“Ah, how far do you live from here?”
Rachel turned back to Curtis. “About half an hour or so.”
“Are you looking to move closer?”
She laughed. “Not really. Mom is trying to move me closer against my will.”
He smiled back at her. “You know, your mom speaks very highly of you.” His voice held a soothing quality which surprised Rachel because it was so much higher pitched.
“My mom? Really?”
“Yes. I hear updates on you and Adam fairly regularly.”
“My mom is a matchmaker.” She laughed. “She means well but unfortunately she lays it on a little thick sometimes.”
“No. She doesn’t talk like that.”
Rachel turned toward him and folded her arms. “How does she talk?”
“She is very proud of how you’ve created a successful business at such a young age and that you have the confidence you do.”
“She said that?” Rachel looked out to the dining room where her mom and Adam were busy setting out mini-cheesecakes out for dessert. Curtis continued to speak.
“Yes. She’s told me she worries about you being on your own but she knows you are a strong woman.”
She turned back to Curtis. “I had no idea my mom felt that way.”
“She has good reason to. You’re a wonderful woman.”
She looked straight at him. His playful smile was gone replaced by intense blue eyes that were fixed on her, searching. He was putting out a ping. At least that was the term she had given it. A man put a compliment out in the air to see how she would respond. If she smiled and blushed he would be emboldened. If she deflected it he didn’t have to feel rejected. She felt heat burning in her face. Despite her best efforts she was blushing.
“Thank you.” She smiled then turned away.
“I know your mom kind of threw us in an awkward position today but I’m glad we had a chance to meet socially.”
He wasn’t anything like Drew but she felt a tug on her heartstrings. Maybe that was why she felt that way. “Me too.”
“And thank you for helping me with Adam.”
“My pleasure. You are going to have to learn some sign language if your going to run a business.”
“Yep, I’ve been trying to avoid it since I’m awful with languages but I need to bite the bullet and start learning.”
“It’s not that hard.”
It felt awkward now. Their light-hearted banter was now forced questions and stilted replies. Despite that she wanted to keep talking. She enjoyed sitting with him this afternoon sharing fun stories and laughing. Years ago this was life: Saturday afternoons with mom, dad and Adam playing chess or scrabble and laughing at old stories.
It was like the first couple of years of college when Yvonne, Adam and-.
She stopped before the pain got a foothold again. Those memories needed to stay tucked away with all their hurt.
It was enough to say it had been a long time since she had felt so light. And almost as long since she’d felt so much heartache. That was back when she did pray.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title then copy the address in the browser.

A Face in the Shadow Part 2 Chapter 8

2009-01-27T07:01:00.002-05:00

Eight
“Rachel, I haven’t seen you for a couple of weeks. Why don’t you come over Saturday for lunch?” Her mom’s call came just as Rachel was sitting down to a fast food dinner for one.
“I’m not staying over mom.”
“I’m not asking you to. We have a turkey your dad got from the company for Christmas. The thing is eleven pounds and that is too big for the two of us to eat by ourselves. Now Fall’s coming around again and they’ll be another turkey so I thought I’d have you and a few others over for lunch Saturday.”
“What others.” Rachel was suspicious. She didn’t want to walk in to some sick dating game.
“A few of my friends from church.”
“Mom.”
“I invited three people.”
“And how many are young men?”
“One.”
“Who?”
“Curtis.”
“So what you are asking me is if I want to come over so you can fix me up with while you guys watch?”
“I’m thinking one o’clock. You can come over Friday night or first thing Saturday morning. Adam said he’ll have the chessboard set up when you get here.”
“Tell him I’ll be over Saturday and that I’ve been playing against the computer so he’d better be ready.”
They hung up and Rachel returned to her meal. It was no longer good enough for her mom that Rachel was dating a man. She needed to have a spare. It was fine. Curtis was a nice guy and fun to talk to. He knew Lisa, Mom, well enough to know he was being set up as a love interest for her daughter and he took it in stride.
As far as church people went Curtis seemed about the most normal of any of her mom’s friends. He didn’t put on airs or look down his nose at Rachel.
She ate another French fry. If she was going to keep her weight in check during the holidays she’d have to cut back on her Wendy’s French fries. But that was still a touch over six weeks away. She bit another fry.
She’d have to talk to Adam before everyone got there, oh and Mom too. Even though she was only friends with Curtis she didn’t want him to know she’d gone out with Drew. Mom would probably keep her mouth shut without Rachel saying something but she preferred to play it safe.
It was better to keep the conversation with Curtis on things that didn’t go anywhere near relationship or dating. All her mom would need was a small crack and she’d try to connect the two of them.

You are reading A Face in the Shadow by Tiffany Colter.
Tiffany is a writer, speaker and writing career coach. She is a frequent contributor to print and online publications in addition to her regular marketing blog at www.WritingCareerCoach.com
Get each new chapter delivered to you by signing up for the Tiffany Colter Fiction Blog using the link on the right.
This story is copyright Tiffany Colter. 2007. It may not be copied, distributed, sold or included in any larger work without the expressed written permission of Tiffany Colter.
Bloggers may comment on or link to this blog from their own blog. To link directly to this posting click the title then copy the address in the browser.