There were five pictures inside the envelope. The first featured him on his knees, presenting the engagement ring to her.
On the second picture, he had slipped the ring onto her finger. The third showed him kissing her engaged hand. The fourth was when he had her locked in his arms, his lips to her ear, whispering those dark words that had almost paralyzed her. And the last was when they waved at the people in the restaurant.
The moment she had returned home, Inara had watched her family pass the pictures between them. They were pleased and happy about the feedback the photos presented.
“I certainly approve.” Amara said. “He’s a gentleman and seems very confident.”
You have no idea,
Inara thought and returned Amara’s smile with a forced one of hers.“I am happy for you, baby sis.” Amara said excitedly, hugging her.
“Thanks love.” Inara said, returning her hug.
One Year, Six Months LaterThe day was bright and sunny with a clear blue sky that was almost surreal. Heaven’s Vine had a full congregation witnessing the wedding ceremony between Nana and Feedwell.Reverend Anthony was officiating the ceremony at the altar where the love stricken couple stood, facing each other before him.In the congregation, Lemuel was seated beside Inara, her hand in his. He was wearing a navy colored suit while she was wearing a long peach colored dress. She looked radiant and a bit plump like a nursing mother.“I still can’t believe that I’m supporting those two.” He said, smiling. “They clearly broke the domestic rule.”Inara chuckled. “Because you love them.” She said. “They captured your heart.”“Just like you captured mine.” He said caressing her hand with a finger. She blushed. “Definitely, sir.”“Hmn. That’s true. They are very efficient and I will miss them.”“Why? They made it clear they weren’t leaving.”“I know but I’m sure it’s out of loyalty. By the
The room was a six-by-six with soft ashen vinyl walls and low, level ceilings. A hospital bed fitted with leather restraints took up most of the floor space. High up on one wall was a solitary window. It had the translucent look of old Plexiglas and steel posts kept it barred.Detective Kyle was talking to a nurse who was already leaving them. She gave Lemuel a glance and walked away with a sullen face.The detective walked up to Lemuel.“This is Suzy’s room. She had a crazy moment an hour ago, kicking and screaming but has been stabilized. You’ll see her right about now.’’“Okay, I’m ready.”“Your conversation will be recorded and monitored by the Psychiatrist in charge of this place and other officers.”“I understand.”Shortly after, Lemuel was in a small room with the detective, a technical sergeant mounting a recording equipment and a male Psychiatrist in a white doctor’s coat who was in his sixties.Before them was a transparent glass that clearly showed a blank room fitted in the
“I should be aware of something like this.” Lemuel said furiously through gritted teeth. He didn’t want Inara knowing that something like that was going on. She hadn’t fully recovered from the trauma and the last thing he wanted was for her to know about what Milo had just told him.“The police detective thought it better not to tell you so that you can concentrate on taking care of your wife.”“That is not their call to make.”
The hospital sat on a headland overlooking the lake, enveloped in acres of emerald green trefoil that rolled and toppled into the city mist. It was a paragon of modest architecture, auburn-colored bungalows thrown unevenly around a two-story administration building, the compound veined with pebble pathways and flower beds, partly shaded by the spreading branches of shore live oak.Blade points of grey tile roof intruded upon a cerulean sky so untainted it bordered on the imaginary. At the intersection of land and sky, a single twisted city pine clawed at the sky. Beneath its swaying trunk, patches of yellow and blue lupine flowed like paint drips down a slanting green canvas.
Milo moved the seat-belt around Vann and belted her in. She was starting to panic, her eyes rounding with fright.“Hang on.” he said as he belted himself in.“Is the Officer following us a bad man?” Vann asked nervously.“Relax.” Lemuel said, “Even If he probably is, I’m sure he has orders from your beloved daughter not to harm a hair on your precious head.”
“What’s your name?” Lemuel asked the woman as he rose to his feet.“Vann.”“Get up. You’re coming with us.” he told her and the agent pulled her up to her feet quite roughly.“I’ll come willingly.” Vann stated. “There’s no need to be heavy handed with me.”“Desperate times.” Lemuel said and led the way t