The Amber Stone (20 page)

“What’s going on in here?” Kenneth asked, entering the room. The sight of Olivia’s soiled blouse and Sean’s wet shirt explained only a part of what had happened. He couldn’t understand why others looked frightened or why the room had suddenly fallen silent.

“I think we’d better go,” Sean said, taking Teresa’s plate.

“No, I think
you
should go,” Michelle said. “I’ll take Teresa home.”

“Nobody should go,” Jessie interrupted, appearing behind them. She glanced at her husband and sent him a private smile. “Brings back memories, doesn’t it?”

He winked. “More than you know.”

She grabbed Sean’s sleeve like she would a school child. She looked at Kenneth. “Do something about Olivia. If she squeals one more time I may have to belt her.”

Kenneth nodded and went to soothe Olivia, who had just realized her trousers were ruined as well.

“Michelle, stop frowning and get someone to clean up this mess,” Jessie ordered. “And don’t say another word. Teresa, continue to eat and relax, he’s in good hands.”

Jessie led Sean upstairs, still holding onto his sleeve in case he decided to run. “You sure know how to make your presence known,” she said opening the door to the master bedroom. The room was enormous with the sun coming in, polishing the large oak bed, and a marble chess set sat on one of the side tables. He didn’t reply. “I was in your shoes once.” She laughed. “I can tell you don’t believe me. But it’s true. I used to waitress and I once broke an entire tray of glasses.”

He lifted an eyebrow.

“Yep, I was pretty embarrassed, but I survived. You, however, are something else. My cousin has never been calmed like that before. Well done.”

“That was—”

“Never mind. Sit down.”

She opened a closet and began shuffling through Kenneth’s shirts.

He glanced at the marble chess set and basketball hoop attached to the door. “I don’t want to take your husband’s clothes,” Sean protested when she held a shirt out to him.

“That’s too bad. It’s a hostess’s duty to take care of her guests. Besides, it gives me an excuse to disappear.”

“You’re not a people person, then?”

“Is it that obvious?” She sighed. “And I try so hard. Go on and change.” She studied him for a moment. “Now I know why my sister liked to watch you swim.”

She saw the red on his cheeks surprised by how easily embarrassed he could be. She hadn’t expected that then she noticed the necklace around his neck. “Hmm, that looks familiar. I wonder why.”

He shrugged.

She decided to drop the subject and focus on what was important. “Why are you really seeing my sister?”

He stuffed the shirt in his pants. “Why do you think?”

“That you may give me an answer that will make me angry.”

His head snapped up at her tone. “You approve of me as much as your sister Michelle does.”

“Not quite. I don’t trust you. Michelle plain doesn’t like you. And your reaction to Olivia was—”

“No, let me explain—”

“No need to explain to me.” She shook her head. “I hope you don’t plan on going out looking like that.”

“What?” he asked, having a hard time following the conversation.

She pointed to his shirt.

He looked down and noticed that he had buttoned it wrong. “It looks expensive,” he commented, unbuttoning it.

“It’s his favorite, just joking,” she hurriedly added, when his eyes widened. “Damn, you’re taking forever. Let me do it.” She straightened his shirt and quickly buttoned it. “Who are you really, Sean Casey?”

“I like your sister and that’s the truth.”

Jessie sent him a hard look. “The only truth you’re willing to share?” She held up a hand before he could reply, then looked around and lowered her voice like a child ready to do mischief. “I probably shouldn’t do this, but I can’t help myself.” She pulled out a wooden box from one of the side tables. “I’m going to do a reading. It won’t take long. Okay?”

He nodded and sat. “Okay.”

Moments later Jessie stared down at the black velvet cloth where the nine stones Sean had selected lay, feeling a tinge of unease. She knew the stones—from the cool clear aquamarine to the golden look of the iron pyrite—had no power of their own, that they were just a vehicle for her intuition, but she didn’t like what she saw. The size and positioning of the stones puzzled her. She saw rage and a soul in conflict, deception, and death. She didn’t know if the death was in the past or future, but she sensed a man suffering. They sat facing each other, but she couldn’t raise her gaze to see his face. She didn’t know what to tell him and regretted her rash action.

She started to bite her nails then rested her hand on the table. “You’ve been through a lot—”

“Your sister means a lot to me and I’d never hurt her,” Sean said, covering Jessie’s hand.

Her mind told her the action was incredibly bold, but her body couldn’t move. Soon all her apprehension seemed to fade away and as she looked into his eyes, she felt as if everything would be okay, that Teresa was safe with him. She looked down at his hand and remembered her father’s stories about the ‘handler’s gift’ and recalled how Sean had handled the stones in a way—with an easy reverence and sensual beauty— she’d never seen a man do before.

“I believe you.”

The hint of a smile touched his mouth and she felt her pulse quicken. She was happily married, but still a woman who could be affected by a handsome man’s gaze. “Good,” he said.

“But you have to be careful,” she said, knowing he knew more than she did about what he was up against.

He nodded. “I will.”

Jessie stiffened when she heard footsteps and swiftly removed evidence of her reading just as the door opened.

“Hey what’s going on in here?” Kenneth demanded, coming into the room.

Sean immediately pulled away from Jessie and stood. “Nothing,” he said.

Jessie sent her husband a sly glance. “What do you think is going on?”

Kenneth rested against the wall, shoving his hands in his pockets, a lazy smile teasing his lips. “Why don’t you tell me?”

Jessie stood next to Sean and looped her arm through his. He failed to discreetly pull away, not wanting to be the puck in their dangerous game. “I’ve decided you’re too perfect. I want a man with some flaws.”

“Thank goodness,” he said, pushing away from the wall. “I was running out of ways to get rid of you.” He grabbed his wife’s arm and gently tossed her out the door. “Now go take care of the guests.” He shut the door before she could argue. He turned to Sean, who was deciding whether to fight or flee. It wasn’t that he was afraid, just that he had caused enough trouble and Kenneth would be a tough opponent. Although he had an easygoing appearance, he had a strong presence and dangerous eyes.

“Take a seat for a minute,” Kenneth suggested, staring at the carpet.

“We weren’t doing anything.”

Kenneth glanced up surprised by the man’s vehemence. “I know. Jessie likes to tease.”

Sean still looked uneasy. Kenneth sighed, pulled out a chair and sat down. “Relax. I want to talk to you.”

Sean hesitated, briefly wondering if he’d ever get a chance to leave, then eventually sat.

Kenneth rubbed his chin. “Looking at other women is an art form. No secure woman minds a quick glance, but gawking like a prepubescent teenager is offensive.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “And as a man who respects women, I find it offensive too.”

Sean ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “I wasn’t staring. I mean, I was, but not for the reasons you think. ” He rubbed his beard, and looked away, letting his voice drop. “She reminded me of someone.” He hesitated. “Your wife wouldn’t let me explain.”

“Yes, it’s her way of making you feel more guilty.”

“It worked. When I—”

His statement was cut off when Kenneth softly swore under his breath.

“Give me a minute,” he said, standing up. He waited by the door then suddenly opened it. Jessie fell into the room. He stared down at her with a smug grin. “May I help you?”

Jessie scowled at him. She stood up, brushing off her trousers. “I just wanted to make sure everything’s all right.”

Kenneth gestured to Sean who was watching the interaction with apparent amusement. “As you can see, everything’s fine.”

She lowered her voice. “You’ll behave yourself, right? It wasn’t a big deal.”

“Now why wouldn’t I behave myself?”

“Don’t hurt—”

His tone hardened. “Go downstairs, Jas.”

She held up her hands in surrender. “I’m going, I’m going.”

He waited until she was at the top of the stairs before he shut the door, shaking his head.

Sean stared amazed. “How did you know she was there?”

“Because I know her.” He resumed his seat. “She’s afraid I might do something I’ll regret, like break your face for insulting my sister-in-law in front of family and friends, but I wouldn’t do that.” He smiled, softening the veiled threat. “You wouldn’t give me a reason to.”

“I’d never hurt Teresa.”

“That’s good to know.”

“But I—she wants something I can never give her.”

“Such as?”

The guy was too damn easy to talk to. He couldn’t believe he’d already revealed this much. But as Kenneth stared at him waiting for a response, Sean found no reason to retreat. Part of him was glad Teresa had family who knew her value and wanted to protect her, the other part wanted them to leave him alone. There was still so much he hadn’t told her and he wasn’t going to tell them. But he’d pretend to be as honest as they needed him to be. “I’ve been married before,” he admitted.

“Okay.”

Sean thought that was explanation enough, but Kenneth stared at him, obviously expecting more. “And it was...hard.”

He nodded, his eyebrows furrowed. “What does that have to do with Teresa?”

Sean hesitated knowing he couldn’t reveal too much. He sensed Kenneth was a man of strategy and he had to use the right one. “I’m just not marriage material. I mean, your wife seems nice enough, but I couldn’t take a woman hovering and fussing over me.”

Kenneth rubbed his chin for a moment, trying to soothe his temper. Jasmine was a soft spot with him; he didn’t like anyone, especially strangers, criticizing her. He knew to others their relationship seemed strange, but it worked beautifully. However, he knew what Sean was saying. In the beginning, Jasmine’s involvement in his life seemed burdensome and nagging. But it had ultimately been his salvation.

“You’re right. Fortunately, Jas is perfect for me. Personally, I couldn’t fall for a semi-witch who spends a great deal of time either daydreaming or making potions.”

Sean’s eyes flashed. “Teresa’s not a witch and she doesn’t make potions.”

Kenneth shrugged, beginning to grin. “To each his own.”

Sean recognized the smirk and sighed. “All right. I admit it. She means more to me than I want her to. But that doesn’t change anything.”

Kenneth nodded then said, “I just wanted to get you talking for another reason. I recognize a man with secrets.”

Sean froze, realizing he’d underestimated him. “So?” he said with a nonchalance he didn’t feel.

“Are you running from your secrets or protecting them?”

Sean stood. “I don’t—”

Kenneth kept his voice soft. “Sit down.”

Sean rested his hands on his hips. “We’re through here unless you have something else you want to say.”

Kenneth slowly rose to his feet and pinned him with a hard look. “Your secrets better be worth the consequences.”

Sean sniffed. “Consequences?”

“If your secrets hurt Teresa in any way—”

“You’ll make me pay?” Sean said unmoved by the threat.

“No.” Kenneth lowered his gaze and lightly smoothed down Sean’s collar. “I’ll make you suffer,” he said and his lethal gaze made his words a promise.

“How is he?” Teresa asked, meeting Jessie at the bottom of the stairs. Thankfully, Freda had helped Olivia find something to wear.

“I checked his pulse and his heartbeat seems to be fine.” She paused. “However, I don’t know what Kenneth is doing to him right now. Hopefully, his body parts are still attached.”